(Photo courtesy of Eric Wilcox)
(Staten Island, N.Y., Sept. 8, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Staten Island FerryHawks 6-5 on Friday night in the opener of a three-game weekend series at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park.
Staten Island took a 1-0 lead against Long Island starting pitcher Joe Iorio in the bottom half of the second inning by way of a sacrifice fly to left field off the bat of Ricardo Cespedes. The FerryHawks made it 2-0 in their favor in the fifth on an RBI single off the bat of Angel Aguilar.
The Ducks sent nine batters to the plate versus FerryHawks starter Christian Capuano in the top of the sixth, scoring four runs to take their first lead of the ballgame at 4-2, highlighted by run-scoring singles from Alex Dickerson, Alejandro De Aza, and Carlos Castro, along with an RBI fielder’s choice from Brantley Bell. Staten Island tied the game at four in the sixth on a two-run home run to right field by Cespedes off reliever Augie Voight and took a 5-4 advantage in the eighth thanks to a run-scoring two base hit from Kevin Krause.
The Flock tied the game at five in the ninth as Bell belted a leadoff home run over the right-center field fence off Staten Island reliever Pedro Payano, and four batters later Ruben Tejada’s base knock to center field enabled Jonathan Guzman to cross the plate which gave the visitors a 6-5 lead. Al Alburquerque retired all three batters in the ninth for his eighth save of the season closing out a very dramatic come-from behind victory for the visitors.
Each starting pitcher registered a no-decision in the contest, as Iorio allowed two runs on seven hits in five innings pitched, striking out three, while Capuano surrendered four runs on nine hits in six innings on the mound, walking one and striking out three. Tom Hackimer (1-0) retired the only batter he faced en route to the victory, while Payano (2-6) suffered the loss, giving up two runs on three hits in one inning of work.
Tejada, Scott Kelly, and Sam Travis led the way at the plate with two hits apiece as Long Island won their fourth consecutive game overall.
The Ducks and FerryHawks continue their three-game set on Saturday night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park. Fans can follow the action live on Flo Baseball by CLICKING HERE. Left-hander Ian Clarkin (3-4, 5.37) takes the mound for the Ducks against FerryHawks righty Ethan Skuija (0-2, 9.39).
Long Island returns home on Friday, September 15, for their final home series of the regular season, a three-game set against the High Point Rockers. 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). It’s Prostate Cancer Awareness Night at the Ballpark, and the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive Ducks Seat Cushions, courtesy of Good Samaritan University Hospital. 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.
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.
###