(Central Islip, N.Y., July 28, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks, known on Friday as Papas Playas, their alternate identity, defeated the Gastonia Honey Hunters 18-1 on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Papas Playas erupted for seven runs in the second inning off Honey Hunters starter Orlando Rodriguez to take an early lead. RBI singles by Brian Goodwin and Ruben Tejada, an RBI double by Brantley Bell, a sacrifice fly off the bat of Boog Powell and a three-run home run by Alejandro De Aza highlighted the inning. Four more runs came home in the third on Wilson Ramos’ RBI double and Joe DeCarlo’s three-run homer, making it an 11-0 game.
David Washington homered to center off Papas Playas starter Robert Stock in the fourth to put Gastonia on the board. However, a five-run fifth, highlighted by Tejada’s two-run double, Sam Travis’ RBI single and Goodwin’s two-run double made it 16-1 Papas Playas. Back-to-back solo homers by Carlos Castro and Alex Dickerson in the seventh made it 18-1.
Stock (6-2) earned the win, tossing seven innings of one-run ball, allowing four hits and a walk while striking out a career-high 12 batters. Rodriguez (1-1) suffered the loss, surrendering 11 runs on eight hits and three walks in three innings. Justin Courtney pitched two scoreless innings in relief for Papas Playas, walking one and striking out one.
Dickerson led the Flock offensively with three hits, an RBI and three runs. Tejada and Goodwin each added two hits and three RBIs, while De Aza and DeCarlo each chipped in with a hit, three RBIs, two runs and two walks.
The teams continue their three-game set on Saturday night. 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). Following the game, all fans in attendance will be treated to a Fireworks Spectacular, presented by NYCB. It’s also a Lucky Seat Saturday, presented by Long Island MacArthur Airport. During the game, Long Island will be selecting a lucky fan in the ballpark, who will win two roundtrips on Breeze Airways to any of their six non-stop destinations from Long Island MacArthur Airport. Right-hander Joe Iorio (3-6, 6.72) takes the mound for Long Island against Gastonia righty Zach Mort (8-2, 5.48).
Tickets to the game, and all home 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 live on Flo Baseball by 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.
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