(Central Islip, N.Y., Aug. 18, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Charleston Dirty Birds 11-6 on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Charleston opened the game with a seven-run first inning against Ducks starter Joe Iorio. Jalen Miller’s solo homer, Bobby Bradley’s two-run homer, Yovan Gonzalez’s two-run single and Yefri Perez’s RBI single did the damage. The Ducks answered with a run in the bottom of the frame on Alejandro De Aza’s RBI groundout to first base.
Two more runs in the second for the Dirty Birds on an error that plated Dwight Smith Jr. and an RBI single by Diego Goris make it 9-1. Joe DeCarlo’s RBI double down the left field line in the bottom of the second off Dirty Birds starter Derrick Adams closed the gap to seven, but Charleston got the run back in the third on Bradley’s RBI single.
A four-run sixth inning for the Flock, highlighted by Carlos Castro’s two-run homer to left-center, a wild pitch that plated DeCarlo and Boog Powell’s RBI bunt single, brought the Ducks to within 10-6. A ninth inning solo homer by Goris rounded out the scoring.
Adams (5-7) earned the win, tossing five innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits and three walks while striking out two. Iorio (3-8) suffered the loss, surrendering 10 runs (eight earned) on 15 hits and a walk in four and two-thirds innings with four strikeouts.
Castro led the Flock offensively with two hits, two RBIs, two runs and a walk. Powell added two hits, an RBI and a run.
The Ducks and Dirty Birds continue their three-game set on Saturday night. 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). Following the game, all fans in attendance will be treated to a Fireworks Spectacular, presented by PSEG Long Island. It’s also a Lucky Seat Saturday, presented by Long Island MacArthur Airport. During the game, the Ducks will be selecting a lucky fan in the ballpark, who will win two roundtrips on Breeze Airways to any of their six non-stop destinations from MacArthur Airport. Right-hander Justin Alintoff (2-1, 3.93) takes the mound for the Ducks against Dirty Birds lefty Danny Wirchansky (5-4, 3.33).
Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, are available by visiting the Fairfield Properties Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE. Those unable to make the game can follow the action live on Flo Baseball by CLICKING HERE.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball. Over 8.5 million fans have enjoyed the Ducks brand of affordable, fun entertainment at Fairfield Properties Ballpark since inception in 2000. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825).
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary Season in 2023, the Atlantic League is Major League Baseball’s first Professional Partner League, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. ALPB has sent over 1,200 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 45 million fans to its family-friendly ballparks throughout its 25-year history. Please visit AtlanticLeague.com.
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