Iorio twirls seven terrific innings on the mound, but High Point wins in extras
(Central Islip, N.Y., Aug. 3, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the High Point Rockers 4-3 in 10 innings on Saturday night in the middle game of a three-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.
The Ducks opened the scoring in the third inning on L.J. Mazzilli’s RBI fielder’s choice. It remained 1-0 until the top of the sixth when Hector Gomez tied the game with a two-out RBI triple to center field.
Stephen Cardullo put High Point on top 3-1 with a two-run home run to left field in the top of the eighth. However, a two-out, two-strike, two-run single to center from Rey Fuentes in the bottom of the inning evened the score at three.
It stayed that way until the top of the 10th when the Rockers plated the winning run. Giovanny Alfonzo sacrificed Matthew Jones to third, and Cardullo plated him with a sac fly to right.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Joe Iorio pitched seven innings of one-run ball for the Ducks, allowing three hits and three walks while striking out five. Edwin Carl lasted five innings for the Rockers, yielding an unearned run on four hits and a walk with five strikeouts. Trevor Frank (3-3) earned the win with two perfect innings of relief, striking out two. Michael Tonkin (3-2) suffered the hard luck loss, conceding the winning run on one hit while striking out two in two innings.
John Apostolo led the Ducks offensively with a pair of doubles.
The Ducks and Rockers wrap up their three-game set on Sunday evening. Game time is slated for 5:05 p.m., with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 4:05 (3:50 for full season ticket holders). Legendary superhero, Spider-Man, will be making an appearance at the ballpark for the game, courtesy of Skyway Pest Management. It’s also a Sunday Family Funday, presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Prior to the game, fans will be invited onto the field for an autograph session with the Ducks from 4:20 to 4:35 p.m. After the game, kids and kids at heart can take part in Kids Run the Bases. Left-hander Brian Matusz makes his Ducks debut on the hill against Rockers righty Chris Pennell (0-1, 2.25).
Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, can be purchased by visiting the box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or 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, Facebook Live and the Ducks official YouTube channel.
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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