(Lexington, Ky., July 17, 2022) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Kentucky Wild Health Genomes 9-4 on Sunday afternoon in the finale of a three-game weekend series from Wild Health Field.
Long Island took a 1-0 lead in the top half of the first inning against Genomes starting pitcher Elih Villanueva as L.J. Mazzili cracked a solo home run over the left field wall on the second pitch of the ballgame thrown by the right-hander. The Flock made it 2-0 in the second and once again it was courtesy of the big fly as Dustin Woodcock launched a leadoff solo blast onto the Pepsi Party Deck in right field for his team-leading 11th roundtripper of the campaign.
The Genomes sent nine batters to the plate in the last of the fourth versus Ducks starter Stephen Tarpley and scored four runs in the process to take their first lead of the ballgame at 4-2, one they would never relinquish. Clayton Mehlbauer led off the inning with an opposite-field solo home run to right center to begin the comeback. With the bases loaded and one down, Khris Davis plated a pair with a base knock. Two batters later, Anderson Miller doubled the advantage for the home team driving in Chris Shaw with a single of his own. Trailing 9-2 in the seventh, the Ducks inched closer thanks to a mammoth two-run home run over the batter’s eye in straightaway center field off the bat of Carlos Castro for his first four-bagger in a Long Island uniform, but the visitors would get no closer as the Genomes were able to complete the sweep.
Villanueva (6-7) was credited with the win, allowing two runs on three hits (two home runs) over five innings pitched, walking one and striking out four. Tarpley (3-4) suffered the loss, surrendering four runs on five hits (one home run) across four innings of work, walking a pair of batters while striking out five. Joe DeCarlo had two hits, a walk, and a run scored in the loss.
The Ducks continue their road trip on Tuesday night when they open a three-game series against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. at Regency Furniture Stadium. Fans 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. Right-hander Scott Harkin (6-6, 4.56) gets the start for the Ducks against a pitcher to be announced for the Blue Crabs.
Long Island returns home on Friday, July 22, to begin a three-game series 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 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Ducks Rally Towels, courtesy of Merch & Swag. It’s also an Angela’s Pizza Friday! A player on the Blue Crabs will be designated as the K-Man. If he strikes out during the game, all fans can show their game ticket to enjoy a special offer throughout the rest of the weekend at Angela’s Pizzeria of Islip. Tickets for the game, and all Ducks 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 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)
The Atlantic League is the first Partner League of Major League Baseball, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. The ALPB has sent over 1,000 players to MLB organizations while drawing 44 million fans to its family friendly ballparks over its 24-year history. For more information, please visit AtlanticLeague.com.
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