(Central Islip, N.Y., May 19, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the High Point Rockers 5-4 on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
RBI singles by Zander Wiel and Ryan Grotjohn off Ducks starter Stephen Tarpley in the first inning gave the Rockers an early 2-0 lead. The Ducks answered with a run in the bottom of the inning on Sam Travis’ sacrifice fly to left field off Rockers starter Sam Burton. However, a sac fly from Michael Martinez and another RBI single by Wiel pushed High Point’s lead to 4-1 in the second.
It remained that way until the bottom of the sixth when the Ducks plated three runs to tie the game at four. Two runs scored on an error by John Nogowski, and Daniel Murphy picked up an RBI single. Long Island then went in front 5-4 in the bottom of the eighth on an RBI groundout from Murphy.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Tarpley lasted six innings, allowing four runs (two earned) on seven hits and a walk while striking out four. Burton pitched five innings, yielding a run on three hits and five walks with four strikeouts. Al Alburquerque (1-0) picked up the win after tossing two-thirds of an inning in relief of scoreless baseball. Taylor GUerrieri (0-1) took the loss, conceding the winning run (unearned) on one hit and one walk in one inning. Kevin Quackenbush collected his fourth save of the year with a scoreless ninth inning.
Murphy led the Flock offensively with three hits, two RBIs and a walk.
The Ducks and Rockers continue their three-game set with a day/night doubleheader on Sunday. Game time for the opener is slated for 1:35 p.m., with the Fairfield Properties Ballpark gates opening at 12:35 (12:20 for full season ticket holders). It’s a Sunday Family Funday, presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union! Prior to the game, fans will be invited down for a Catch on the Field from 12:40 to 1:00. After the game, fans of all ages are also invited to take part in Kids Run the Bases.
Game two is scheduled to begin at 6:35 p.m., with the 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. It’s also a Lucky Seat Saturday, presented by Long Island MacArthur Airport. During the game, the Ducks will be selecting a lucky fan in the ballpark, who will win two roundtrips on Breeze Airways to any of their six non-stop destinations from Long Island MacArthur Airport. To be eligible for the prize, please sign up prior to the end of the third inning at the Ducks Ticket Kiosk.
Tickets for both games, 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 twin bill can follow all the action live on Flo Baseball by CLICKING HERE.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball. Over 8.5 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)
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary Season in 2023, 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. ALPB has sent over 1,200 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 45 million fans to its family-friendly ballparks throughout its 25-year history. Please visit AtlanticLeague.com.
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