(Central Islip, N.Y., July 2, 2024) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Charleston Dirty Birds 6-4 on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Keon Barnum’s RBI ground-rule double to right field in the first inning gave Charleston an early 1-0 lead. The Ducks responded with a three-run bottom of the inning, highlighted by Jackie Bradley Jr.’s two-run home run to left field and Kevin Higgins’ sac fly to center, to go in front 3-1.
An RBI single to right by Delino DeShields in the fourth closed the gap to 3-2. However, back-to-back two-out solo homers by JC Encarnacion to left field and Bradley Jr. to right field off Charleston starter Stevie Ledesma gave Long Island a three-run lead.
Tillman Pugh scored from third on a throwing error by Ducks starter Mike Montgomery in the sixth, trimming the Ducks advantage to 5-3, but the Ducks got the run back in the bottom of the sixth on Bradley Jr.’s RBI fielder’s choice. Barnum lifted a solo homer to left field in the eighth to make it a 6-4 ballgame, but the Dirty Birds got no closer.
Montgomery (2-2) earned the win, tossing six innings of three-run ball (two earned) allowing seven hits while striking out two. Ledesma (2-1) took the loss, giving up six runs on 10 hits in five and one-third innings with three strikeouts. Ramon Santos collected his second save of the season with a 1-2-3 ninth inning, striking out two.
Bradley Jr. led the Ducks offense with two hits, four RBIs, two runs and a walk. Encarnacion added two hits, an RBI, two runs and a walk, while Chance Sisco and Zach Racusin each recorded two hits.
The Ducks and Dirty Birds continue their three-game set on Wednesday 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). Following the game, all fans in attendance will be treated to a Fireworks Spectacular, presented by Fairfield Properties. It’s also a Wendy’s Wednesday at the ballpark, and Ducks staff members will be handing out coupons for a special offer from Wendy’s as fans exit the ballpark. Left-hander Wei-Yin Chen (2-5, 7.20) takes the mound for the Ducks against Dirty Birds righty southpaw Kevin Smith (1-3, 7.46).
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 in 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 708 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.
###