Mazzilli drives in six runs, as Ducks plate 18 runs on 13 hits in victory
(Central Islip, N.Y., June 20, 2021) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Lancaster Barnstormers 18-13 on Sunday afternoon in the rubber game of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
The Barnstormers struck for three runs in the first inning off Ducks starter Mike Bolsinger on an RBI single by Alejandro de Aza and a two-run double by Blake Allemand. Daniel Fields answered in the bottom of the second with a two-out, two-run home run to right-center off Barnstormers starter Dominic DiSabatino, closing the gap to 3-2.
It stayed that way until the fifth when the Ducks sent 15 men to the plate and erupted for nine runs to take a 11-3 lead. RBI singles by Jesse Berardi and Ryan Jackson, along with a two-run single by L.J. Mazzilli, highlighted the inning. Three more runs scored for the Ducks in the sixth on two bases loaded walks and an RBI fielder’s choice to make it a 14-3 game.
Home runs from Anderson De La Rosa and Cleuluis Rondon in the seventh and a sac fly from Kelly Dugan in the seventh trimmed Long Island lead to 14-6. However, Mazzilli’s grand slam to left in the eighth put the Ducks ahead by 12 at 18-6. Lancaster rallied for seven runs in the ninth but still came up five runs short.
Bolsinger did not factor into the decision but lasted three and two-thirds innings, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks while striking out three. Francisco Gracesqui (1-0) picked up the win after one and one-third scoreless innings of relief. DiSabatino (1-3) took the loss, surrendering seven runs on eight hits over four innings with three strikeouts.
Mazzilli led the Flock offensively with three hits, six RBIs and two runs scored. Fields added two hits, three RBIs, four runs and two walks, while Berardi totaled two hits, three RBIs and two runs.
Following a day off, the Ducks will continue their homestand on Tuesday night with the opener of a three-game series and first-ever meeting with the Gastonia Honey Hunters. 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). The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Ducks Baseball Caps, courtesy of Stony Brook Children’s. It’s also a Triple Play Tuesday at the ballpark! If the Ducks turn a triple play during the game, one lucky fan will win $25,000. To be eligible to win, simply sign up prior to first pitch at the Ticket Kiosk. Right-hander Vin Mazzaro (1-0, 4.40) gets the start for the Ducks against Honey Hunters righty William Kirwan (1-2, 6.00).
Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, are available by calling (631) 940-TIXX or by CLICKING HERE. Those unable to make the game 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 as well as the Ducks official Facebook and YouTube accounts.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball, and play their home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call (631) 940-DUCK (3825).
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League is the first Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. ALPB has sent over 950 players to MLB organizations while drawing 42 million fans to its family friendly ballparks over its 24-year history. Please visit AtlanticLeague.com.
###