Long Island overcomes 1-0, 4-1 and 5-4 deficits to take series opener
(Central Islip, N.Y., Oct. 8, 2021) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the York Revolution 9-7 on Friday night in the opener of the final series of the regular season at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Both teams traded runs on sacrifice flies in the fourth inning. Melky Mesa drove in James Harris for York, while Chris Shaw brought home Deibinson Romero for Long Island. Mikey Reynolds put York on top 3-1 in the fifth with a two-run home run to left field off Ducks starter Joe Iorio.
Nellie Rodriguez scored on a double play ball in the sixth, pushing the Revs lead to three. However, the Ducks rallied to tie the game at four with a three-run sixth. Ramon Flores was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, Lew Ford scored on Shaw’s RBI fielder’s choice, and Romero came home on a passed ball.
It stayed that way until the eighth when Lenin Rodriguez’s two-out RBI single to center put York back ahead 5-4. The Ducks responded with a five-run bottom of the frame to take a 9-5 lead. RBI singles by Sal Giardina and Jesse Berardi, along with a three-run triple by Steve Lombardozzi, did the damage. York rallied for two runs in the ninth but left the tying runs on base.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Iorio pitched five innings, allowing four runs on five hits and three walks while striking out five. Herrera also lasted five innings, yielding four runs on three hits and five walks with one strikeout. Dylan Peiffer (3-2) picked up the win despite allowing a run on a hit and two walks while striking out two in one inning. Israel Cruz (1-2) suffered the loss, surrendering three runs on three hits.
Giardina led the Flock with two hits, an RBI and a run. Lombardozzi finished with a hit, three RBIs, two run and two walks.
The Ducks and Revolution continue their three-game series 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). It’s Lew Ford Appreciation Night at the ballpark. The Ducks will be recognizing the franchise’s new all-time hits leader during a special pregame ceremony. In addition, Tyler’s Amazing Balancing Act will be at the ballpark to perform during the game. Right-hander Brendan Feldmann (7-4, 5.79) takes the mound for the Ducks against Revolution righty Eduardo Rivera (6-3, 5.64).
Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, can be purchased by visiting the Fairfield Properties Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE. Those unable to make the game can follow all the action on the Long Island Ducks Broadcast Network. Live streaming HD video and audio will be available via BoxCast on LIDucks.com as well as on the Ducks official Facebook page and YouTube channel.
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)
With teams throughout the Mid-Atlantic, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent over 1,000 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 42 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 24-year history. For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
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