(Central Islip, N.Y., Aug. 24, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Gastonia Honey Hunters 13-12 on Thursday night in the final game of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Braxton Davidson hit a leadoff solo home run to left-center field in the second inning off Ducks starter Justin Alintoff to give Gastonia a 1-0 lead. Long Island answered with four runs in the second off Honey Hunters starter Sal Romano on Carlos Castro’s RBI infield single, Wilson Ramos’ two-run single to right-center and Ruben Tejada’s run-scoring groundout to shortstop.
The Honey Hunters responded with four runs of their own in the third to go back in front 5-4. Steven Moya’s RBI single, RBI doubles from Davidson and Eric De La Rosa and David Washington’s sac fly did the damage. However, RBI singles by Ramos and Jonathan Guzman in the bottom of the third allowed Long Island to leapfrog back in front 6-5.
Moya’s two-run homer down the right field line in the fourth put Gastonia on top once again at 7-6. Guzman tied it in the fifth with an RBI single to center, and the Ducks then took an 11-7 lead with a four-run sixth, highlighted by Castro’s RBI single to left and Ramos’ three-run homer to left.
Gastonia closed to within two in the seventh on De La Rosa’s RBI double and a hit by pitch that scored De La Rosa. Joe DeCarlo got one of the runs back with an RBI single to left in the seventh, making it 12-9 Ducks. However, a ninth inning grand slam to left-center by Luis Curbelo put Gastonia ahead for good at 13-12.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Alintoff pitched five innings, allowing seven runs on 11 hits and a walk while striking out four. Romano also lasted five innings and gave up seven runs on 11 hits, walking three and striking out two. Trent Fennell (1-2) picked up the win after pitching a scoreless eighth inning, yielding a hit while striking out two. Jose Jose (5-2) suffered the loss, surrendering four runs on three hits and a walk in the ninth with two strikeouts. Parker Bugg got his first save with a scoreless ninth.
Ramos led the Ducks offensively with three hits, six RBIs and two runs scored. Castro and Guzman each added three hits and two RBIs, while Castro scoring three times. Alex Dickerson chipped in with two hits, three runs and two walks.
The Ducks hit the road on Friday night to open a three-game series against the Staten Island FerryHawks. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park. Fans can follow the action live on Flo Baseball by CLICKING HERE. Left-hander Kyle Lobstein (3-4, 5.24) gets the start for the Ducks against a FerryHawks starter to be determined.
Long Island returns home on Friday, September 1, to begin a four-game series with the Lancaster Barnstormers. 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 1,000 fans in attendance will receive Chef Hat Rubber Duckies, courtesy of The Hidden Gem Cafe.
It’s also a Tap Room Friday at the ballpark, and Ducks staff members will be handing out coupons for 20% off your entire meal at The Tap Room as fans exit the ballpark following the game. It’s a Grand Slam Friday as well, and the sixth inning will be designated as the Grand Slam Inning. If the Ducks fourth batter of the inning launches a home run with the bases loaded, one lucky fan will win $25,000. 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.
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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