Ducks score nine runs over first three innings to salvage series finale
(Photo courtesy of Joe Doll)
(Gastonia, N.C., June 27, 2021) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Gastonia Honey Hunters 10-6 on Sunday afternoon in the final game of a three-game series at CaroMont Health Park.
The Ducks erupted for five runs in the opening inning against Honey Hunters starter Brock Knoten. Two runs scored on Lew Ford’s single to right field, Ryan Jackson collected an RBI groundout to shortstop, and Hector Sanchez launched a two-run home run to right. A two-out, two-run single by Mike Osinski in the first and a two-out RBI triple by Mike Papi in the second off Ducks starter Mike Bolsinger trimmed Long Island’s lead to 5-3.
Long Island scored four more in the third when Ford came home on a throwing error and Jesse Berardi hit a three-run homer to left, ballooning their lead to 9-3. After a Gastonia run in the fourth, Johnni Turbo scored Clint Freeman with an RBI fielder’s choice in the fifth to make it 10-4. Solo homers by Jake Skole in the sixth and Boog Powell in the eighth closed the gap to 10-6, but Gastonia would get no closer.
Bolsinger did not factor into the decision but lasted two and two-thirds innings, allowing four runs on six hits and four walks with one strikeout. Hunter Cervenka (1-2) earned the win, tossing two and one-third scoreless innings, yielding just one hit while striking out one. Knoten (0-1) suffered the loss, surrendering nine runs (five earned) on eight hits and a walk over three innings.
Lombardozzi led the Flock offensively with three hits and a run scored. Turbo and Ford each added two hits, combining to drive in two runs and score three times.
Following a day off on Monday, the Ducks continue their road trip on Tuesday night when they open a three-game series against the Lancaster Barnstormers. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Clipper Magazine Stadium. Fans can follow all the action on the Long Island Ducks Broadcast Network. Live streaming video and audio will be available via BoxCast on LIDucks.com as well as the Ducks official Facebook and YouTube accounts. Right-hander Brendan Feldmann (1-1 2.86) gets the start for the Ducks against Barnstormers righty Andro Cutura (3-2, 8.40).
Long Island returns home on Friday, July 2, to begin a four-game set against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m., with the Fairfield Properties Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders. The first 750 fans in attendance will receive Ducks Inflatable Bats. It’s also a Flash Sale Friday! Fans will have the opportunity to receive a special ticket offer to a select home game(s) later in the season by calling (631) 940-TIXX.Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, are available by calling (631) 940-TIXX or by CLICKING HERE.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball, and play their home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call (631) 940-DUCK (3825).
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League is the first Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. ALPB has sent over 950 players to MLB organizations while drawing 42 million fans to its family friendly ballparks over its 24-year history. Please visit AtlanticLeague.com.
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