(Central Islip, N.Y., April 27, 2024) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Lancaster Stormers 7-6 on Saturday night in the third game of a four-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Lancaster scratched across the game’s first run in the opening inning on an RBI infield single by Niko Hulsizer off Ducks starter Daniel Corcino. The Ducks tied the game at one in the bottom of the first on an RBI single by Frank Schwindel off Stormers starter Brady Tedesco. However, a two-out RBI single by Hulsizer in the third put the Stormers back in front 2-1.
Long Island took a 4-2 lead with three runs in the fifth. Jackie Bradley Jr.’s RBI double to right field and Chance Sisco’s two-run single to right highlighted the inning. Lancaster answered though by plating three runs in the seventh on an RBI double by Isan Diaz and a two-run single by Cristian Santana to take a 5-4 lead.
The Ducks answered right back in the bottom of the seventh, as Schwindel launched a two-run home run to left-center, putting Long Island back in front 6-5. Shawon Dunston Jr. pulled the Stormers back even in the eighth with a two-out RBI single. However, Kevin Higgins gave the Ducks the lead for good in the bottom of the frame with a leadoff solo homer to straightaway center field.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Corcino pitched four innings, allowing two runs on four hits and three walks, while Tedesco lasted four and one-third innings, yielding four runs (three earned) on five hits and a walk with seven strikeouts. Sam Delaplane (1-0) picked up the win despite allowing a run on a hit and a walk with three strikeouts in one inning. James Hoyt (0-1) suffered the loss, surrendering the winning run on two hits in one inning. Tyler Zuber collected his first save of the season with a scoreless ninth, working around two hits.
Bradley Jr. led the Flock offensively with three hits, an RBI and three runs. Schwindel added two hits, three RBIs and a run, while Sisco totaled two hits and two RBIs.
The Ducks and Stormers wrap up their four-game set on Sunday afternoon. Game time is slated for 1:35 p.m., with the Fairfield Properties Ballpark gates opening at 12:35 (12:20 for full season ticket holders). The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive 2024 Magnet Schedules, courtesy of Atria Senior Living. It’s also a Sunday Family Funday, presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Prior to the game, fans are invited to have a catch on the field from 12:40 to 1:00. Following the game, fans are welcome back down to the field to take part in Kids Run the Bases.
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. Those unable to make the game can follow all the action live on FloBaseball by CLICKING HERE.
The Ducks are entering their 24th season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip, N.Y. They are the all-time leader in wins and attendance in Atlantic League history, led all MLB Partner Leagues in attendance in 2023, and have sold out a record 706 games all-time. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825).
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
Celebrating its third decade, 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. Over its 25-year history, the ALPB has sent over 1,400 players to MLB organizations while drawing over 47 million fans to its family-friendly ballparks. Please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
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