(Central Islip, N.Y., Sept. 15, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the High Point Rockers 7-3 on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
The Rockers plated a pair of two-out runs in the first inning on RBI singles by Dai-Kang Yang and Beau Taylor off Ducks starter Joe Iorio. Sam Travis answered with a two-out RBI single in the bottom of the inning off Rockers starter Jheyson Manzueta, closing the gap to 2-1. Michael Martinez got the run back in the second for High Point with an RBI groundout, and Yang added another run in the third on a solo home run to right, making it 4-1.
Zander Wiel drew a bases loaded walk in the fourth, pushing High Point’s advantage to four. A pair of unearned runs in the sixth for the Rockers on RBI singles by Wiel and Yang made it 7-1. Jonathan Guzman trimmed the Ducks deficit to five with a run-scoring fielder’s choice in the bottom of the frame. A sacrifice fly to center by Alejandro De Aza in the ninth rounded out the scoring.
Manzueta (7-2) earned the win, tossing six innings of two-run ball, allowing nine hits and a walk while striking out four. Iorio (5-9) took the loss, conceding five runs (four earned) on seven hits and three walks in five innings with two strikeouts.
Tejada led the Ducks offense with three hits, a run and a walk. Travis and De Aza each added two hits and an RBI, while Alex Dickerson and Carlos Castro both chipped in with two hits and a run.
The Ducks and Rockers continue their three-game set on Saturday 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 the Suffolk County PBA. It’s also a Lucky Seat Saturday, presented by Long Island MacArthur Airport, and one lucky fan in the ballpark will win two roundtrips on Breeze Airways to any of their six non-stop destinations from MacArthur Airport. Right-hander Justin Alintoff (2-2, 6.19) takes the mound for the Ducks against Rockers righty Mickey Jannis (13-5, 4.02).
Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home 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 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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