Jackson records his twelfth multi-hit game of the season
(High Point, N.C., August 7, 2021) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated the High Point Rockers 5-3 on Saturday evening in the second of a three-game weekend series at Truist Point.
High Point took a 1-0 lead in the bottom half of the fifth inning versus Long Island starting pitcher Vin Mazzaro by way of a run-scoring fielder’s choice produced by Giovanny Alfonzo that plated James McOwen after he singled to open up the frame. The Rockers made it 4-0 in their favor in the last of the sixth thanks to a run-scoring base knock from Jerry Downs, a throwing error committed by L.J. Mazzilli, and a wild pitch tossed by Ducks reliever Chris Reed.
Trailing 5-0 in the top of the ninth, the Flock began their uphill climb by putting the first two runners on base as Deibinson Romero was hit by a pitch and Ramon Flores drew a walk. The next man to step into the batter’s box was Ryan Jackson, and he laced a two-run double into the gap in right centerfield to get the visitors to within 5-2. Jackson would later hustle down the line from third base on a wild pitch thrown by Kyle Halbohn to get Long Island to within 5-3, but they would fall just short as Halbohn would settle down and retire Johnni Turbo on a groundout and erase pinch-hitter Daniel Fields as the Atlantic League’s player of the month was robbed of a base hit on a terrific diving catch by centerfielder Johnny Field on a sinking line drive that ended the ballgame.
Mazzaro (1-3) suffered the loss after giving up just one run three hits in five innings pitched, walking one while striking out two. High Point starter Neil Uskali tallied a no-decision as the right-hander pitched two scoreless innings on three hits allowed and one walk surrendered. Rockers reliever Ryan Chaffee (2-1) earned the win by not allowing a run while giving up one hit in two innings of work, walking a pair and striking out three.
Jackson led the way for Long Island with two hits and runs batted in, along with a run scored and a walk.
The Ducks and Rockers conclude their three-game tilt on Sunday night. Game time is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. Left-hander Darin Downs (1-2, 4.57) toes the rubber for the Flock against Rockers righty Tommy Lawrence (5-2, 5.36). Fans can follow all the action on the Long Island Ducks Broadcast Network. Live streaming HD video and audio will be available via BoxCast on LIDucks.com in the Ducks Video Center on the homepage as well as on the Ducks official Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Long Island returns home on Tuesday, August 10, to begin a four-game set with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. Game one of the single admission doubleheader is slated to begin at 6:00 p.m., with the Fairfield Properties Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders. Game two will begin approximately 25-30 minutes after the completion of game one, and both games are slated for seven innings. It’s Irish Night at the ballpark, presented by Shandon Court, and a Triple Play Tuesday. Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, can be purchased by visiting the Fairfield Properties Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE.
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)
With teams throughout the Mid-Atlantic, 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 1,000 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 42 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 24-year history. For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
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