Teams combine for 24 runs and 28 hits in series opener
(Photo courtesy of Bert Hindman)
(Gastonia, N.C., June 25, 2021) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Gastonia Honey Hunters 13-11 on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at CaroMont Health Park.
The Ducks took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning when Steve Lombardozzi scored from second base on a throwing error by Joshua Sale. The Honey Hunters responded with four runs in the bottom of the first off Ducks starter Jhoendri Herrera. RBI singles by Mike Papi and Miles Williams, along with a two-run single by William Salas, did the damage. Papi’s RBI double and Williams’ RBI single in the second make it a 6-1 game.
Long Island responded with a four-run third inning to close the gap to just one. Ryan Jackson’s three-run home run to left and Clint Freeman’s solo homer to right highlighted the frame. A sac fly from Ermindo Escobar in the bottom of the third made it 7-5, but Johnni Turbo’s two-run homer to left-center in the fourth tied the game at seven.
Mike Osinski put the Honey Hunters back in front 10-7 with a three-run home run in the bottom of the fourth. An RBI single by Corey Howard in the fifth and a sac fly by Jackson in the sixth closed the gap to one, and the Ducks then tied the game at 11 in the seventh on Juan De La Cruz’s RBI single and Lombardozzi’s sac fly. However, an RBI infield single by Williams in the bottom of the seventh put Gastonia on top for good.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Herrera lasted two and two-thirds innings, allowing seven runs on seven hits and four walks with two strikeouts. Gause pitched five innings, giving up eight runs (five earned) on 10 hits and a walk with two strikeouts. Jamie Callahan (1-0) got the win despite allowing a run on one hit and one walk in one innings. Hunter Cervenka (0-2) took the loss, conceding the winning run on two hits and a walk in one inning. Robby Scott earned his fourth save with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.
Freeman led the Flock with four hits, adding an RBI and two runs. Jackson finished the night with four RBIs.
The Ducks and Honey Hunters continue their three-game set on Saturday night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:50 p.m. at CaroMont Health Park. 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. Left-hander Darin Downs (0-0, 3.00) takes the mound for the Ducks against Honey Hunters righty Jailen Peguero (1-1, 9.75).
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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