Fifth inning longball and quality start from Feldmann leads Long Island in game two
(Central Islip, N.Y., June 23, 2021) – The Long Island Ducks split a single admission doubleheader with the Gastonia Honey Hunters on Wednesday night at Fairfield Properties Ballpark, dropping game one 7-2 before winning game two 3-2.
Gastonia opened the scoring in the first inning on a two-out RBI single to center field by Jesus Sucre off Ducks starter Vin Mazzaro. Long Island tied the game in the bottom of the frame when Steve Lombardozzi scored on a throwing error by Joshua Sale. A two-out RBI double to left-center field by Lombardozzi off Honey Hunters starter William Kirwan gave the Flock a 2-1 lead.
It stayed that way until the fifth when the Honey Hunters plated five runs to take a 6-2 lead. Sucre’s two-run double, Joshua Sale’s two-run home run and Emmanuel Tapia’s solo homer did the damage. A sac fly to center by Sucre in the sixth made it a five-run game.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Mazzaro lasted four innings, allowing two runs on three hits and six walks while striking three. Kirwan also pitched four innings, yielding two runs (one earned) on three hits and six walks with two strikeouts. Kaleb Earls (1-1) picked up the win with three scoreless innings, giving up just one hit and one walk while striking out three. Clint Freeman (0-2) took the loss, surrendering four runs on three hits and a walk in one inning.
The Ducks struck for two first-inning runs in game two on an RBI single by Hector Sanchez and an RBI double by Ryan Jackson off Honey Hunters starter Alexis Candelario. Gastonia tied the game in the third on a two-out, two-run home run to right-center by Sale off Ducks starter Brendan Feldmann. It remained 2-2 until the bottom of the fifth when a two-out solo homer to right by Sanchez put Long Island back on top 3-2.
Feldmann (1-1) earned the win, tossing six innings of two-run ball, allowing six hits and three walks while striking out eight. Candelario (0-2) took the loss, giving up three runs on eight hits and a walk over five innings with three strikeouts. Michael Tonkin recorded his fourth save with a 1-2-3 seventh inning.
The Ducks and Honey Hunters wrap up their three-game series on Thursday 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 a Thirsty Thursday at the ballpark! Fans can enjoy a buy one, get one half-price special on Budweiser or Bud Light draft or bottles at all concession stands and in the Duck Club. Right-hander Joe Iorio (2-0, 2.35) toes the rubber for the Ducks against Honey Hunters righty AJ Merkel (0-1, 3.72).
Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, are available by calling (631) 940-TIXX or by CLICKING HERE. Those unable to make the game 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.
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.
###