L.J. Mazzilli has three hits and four RBIs in rain-shortened game
(Photo courtesy of Joe Doll)
(New Britain, Conn., July 31, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the New Britain Bees 8-1 on Wednesday in a rain-shortened game at New Britain Stadium.
The Ducks wasted no time getting on the board, as L.J. Mazzilli uncorked a two-run home run with two outs in the top of the first inning. Long Island added two more runs in the third inning after T.J. Rivera lifted a sacrifice fly to center and Mazzilli slashed an RBI single to right, giving the Ducks the 4-0 advantage.
New Britain finally got on the board in the fourth after Mike Carp hit an RBI single to center. However, Long Island had a response in the top of the fifth, when Mazzilli picked up his third hit of the game, an RBI infield single to second, bringing the Long Island lead to 5-1.
The game was then put hold for a rain delay that lasted more than three hours. When the game resumed the Ducks picked up right where they left off. In the sixth inning John Apostolo knocked an RBI single to right and then in the seventh, Ramon Cabrera drilled a two-run double to right to bring the score to 8-1.
After the seventh inning, the tarp came back on the field a second time and the umpires called the game due to rain.
Downs pitched up until the first rain delay, but did not factor into the decision, throwing four and two-thirds innings, allowing one run on five hits and one walk, while striking out six. Zack Weiss (2-1) picked up the win for Long Island tossing two and one-third scoreless innings, scattering two hits and two walks with four strikeouts. Jed Bradley (3-7) was tagged with the loss after pitching five innings and surrendering five runs (four earned) on five hits and three walks, striking out four Ducks.
The Ducks continue their road series on Wednesday evening in the final game a three-game series against the New Britain Bees. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. from New Britain Stadium. Fans 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, Facebook Live and the Ducks official YouTube channel. Right-hander Vin Mazzaro (3-4, 5.59) gets the start for the Ducks against Bees righty Akeel Morris (2-1, 4.69).
Long Island returns home on Friday, August 2, to begin a three-game series against the High Point Rockers. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m., with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). The Ducks will be hosting a special 20th Anniversary Celebration at the ballpark, and following the game, all fans in attendance will be treated to a Fireworks Spectacular, presented by Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center. Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, can be purchased by visiting the box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
With eight teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Texas, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent over 900 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 40 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 22-year history.
For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
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