Kinsler’s two-hit, two-RBI game not enough for Ducks to complete sweep
(Central Islip, N.Y., July 8, 2021) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the High Point Rockers 6-4 in a seven-inning game on Thursday night, the final game of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
High Point took an early 2-0 lead on a two-out, two-run single by Jared Mitchell in the first inning off Ducks starter Joe Iorio. The Ducks answered with a run in the bottom of the frame on Danny Valencia’s run-scoring groundout off Rockers starter Cooper Casad.
A two-run home run to right field by Jerry Downs in the third increased High Point’s lead to 4-1, but a two-run single to right by Ian Kinsler in the bottom of the inning closed the gap to one. The Rockers extended their lead to 6-3 in the fifth on Mitchell’s RBI single and J.R. DiSarcina’s sacrifice fly to right. Daniel Fields brought in a run in the sixth with an RBI groundout that plated L.J. Mazzilli, but the Ducks could not pull even.
Casad (2-0) picked up the win, tossing five innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and one walk while striking out four. Iorio (2-1) suffered the loss, surrendering six runs on eight hits and two walks over four and two-thirds innings with four strikeouts. Preston Gainey earned his fifth save of the season with a scoreless seventh.
Kinsler led the Flock offensively with two hits and two RBIs, while Johnni Turbo added two hits and a run.
The Ducks hit the road on Friday night to begin a three-game series against the York Revolution. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at PeoplesBank Park. 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. Left-hander Darin Downs (0-1, 4.50) gets the start for the Ducks against Revolution righty Duke von Schamann (2-3, 6.58).
Long Island returns home on Tuesday, July 13, to open a three-game set against the West Virginia Power. 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). 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, located on the main concourse next to customer service. 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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