Lombardozzi and Mazzili combine for six hits
(High Point, N.C., Aug. 27, 2021) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the High Point Rockers 4-3 in walk-off fashion on Friday night in the opener of a three-game weekend series at Truist Point.
Long Island took a 1-0 lead against High Point starting pitcher Bryce Hensley just two batters into the ballgame when Steve Lombardozzi launched a solo home run over the left field wall for his 12th roundtripper of the campaign. The Ducks made it 3-0 in their favor in the top half of the third inning courtesy of run-scoring singles produced by Lombardozzi and L.J. Mazzilli respectively.
The Rockers cut the deficit to 3-1 versus Ducks starter Darin Downs in the home half of the sixth frame thanks to a sacrifice fly off the bat of Stephen Cardullo that allowed Quincy Latimore to cross the plate after he reached on an infield single with one man down. High Point would send the fans home with big smiles on their faces as they mounted an improbable comeback with two outs and the bases empty in the last of the ninth against Flock reliever Brady Dragmire. Back-to-back singles by Stuart Levy and J.R. DiSarcina set the table for Johnny Field, who cracked a walk-off three-run tater to left for his first hit of the evening in five at-bats.
Neither starter factored in the game’s final outcome, as Downs allowed just one run on four hits in six innings pitched, walking one while striking out six, tossing a wild pitch, and hitting a batter. Hensley surrendered three runs on eight hits (one home run) across seven innings of work along with one walk issued. Dragmire (4-4) was tagged with the loss, giving up three runs on three hits (one home run) in two-thirds of an inning on the mound. The win in relief went to Ryan Chaffee (3-1) who allowed just one hit in a scoreless frame. Lombardozzi and Mazzilli led the way offensively with three hits apiece.
The Ducks and Rockers continue their three-game set at Truist Point on Saturday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Right-hander Hunter Caudelle (1-0, 2.87) gets the nod for the Flock against Rockers righty Neil Uskali (1-0, 0.00). 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 Friday, September 3, to begin a four-game set with the Lancaster Barnstormers. 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 Action Posters, courtesy of Newsday. It’s a Flash Sale Friday as well! From 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, fans will have the opportunity to receive a special ticket offer for a future Ducks game. This exclusive deal is available by phone only at (631) 940-TIXX.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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