(Central Islip, N.Y., Aug. 30, 2022) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Lancaster Barnstormers 7-6 in waddle-off fashion on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Long Island took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on L.J. Mazzilli’s RBI single to right field off Barnstormer starter Cameron Gann. A four-run third inning extended the lead to five. An RBI single by Joe DeCarlo, a two-run single by Dustin Woodcock and a sac fly to left off the bat of Phil Caulfield highlighted the inning.
DeCarlo added a solo home run to left in the fifth to make it a 6-0 ballgame. Lancaster rallied for six runs in the ninth to tie the game at six. A bases loaded walk to Chris Proctor, a two-run single by Colton Shaver, a run-scoring error, an RBI groundout by Jake Hoover and a sac fly off the bat of Trace Loehr did the damage. However, Jose Sermo won the game for the Flock in the bottom of the ninth with a massive one-out solo homer to right field.
Neither starter factored into the decision. James Varela tossed five innings of one-hit, shutout baseball, allowing three walks while striking out two. Gann surrendered five runs on six hits and five walks in just two innings with two strikeouts. Matt Carasiti (1-0) picked up the win despite allowing two runs (one earned) on a hit and a walk in the ninth. West Tunnell (5-1) took the loss, surrendering the walk-off homer to Sermo in the ninth.
DeCarlo led the Flock offensively with two hits, two RBIs and two runs scored. Mazzilli added two hits, an RBI and two walks, while Sermo also collected two hits, including the walk-off winner.
The Ducks and Barnstormers continue their three-game set on Wednesday night. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m., with the Fairfield Properties Ballpark gates opening at a special time of 4:30 for a Blind Baseball Exhibition Game between the Long Island Bombers and the Lion’s Club of Suffolk County, with first pitch slated for 4:45 p.m. It’s also a Lemonade Stand at Main & Vine Wine Down Wednesday, and all fans will be welcome to visit the Duck Club restaurant/bar to enjoy a wine tasting event of featured products. It’s a Waddle In Wednesday at the ballpark as well, and fans will be able to purchase QuackerJack Bobbleheads for just $20 (normally $25) in the Waddle In Shop throughout the ballgame. Right-hander Akeel Morris (5-9, 5.75) takes the mound for the Ducks against Barnstormers righty Brooks Hall (3-1, 2.74).
Tickets for the game, and all Ducks games, are available by visiting the Fairfield Properties Ballpark 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 HD video and audio will be available via BoxCast on LIDucks.com as well as on the Ducks official Facebook page and YouTube channel.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball. Over 8 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)
The Atlantic League is the first Partner League of Major League Baseball, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. The ALPB has sent over 1,000 players to MLB organizations while drawing 44 million fans to its family friendly ballparks over its 24-year history. For more information, please visit AtlanticLeague.com.
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