(Central Islip, N.Y., Aug. 22, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Gastonia Honey Hunters 6-5 on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Gastonia took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on Zach Jarrett’s RBI double and Scott Manea’s run-scoring groundout off Ducks starter Robert Stock. Long Island answered with two runs of their own in the bottom of the frame on Carlos Castro’s RBI double and Alejandro De Aza’s run-scoring groundout off Honey Hunters starter Harry Rutkowski.
Manea’s solo home run to left field in the fourth put the Honey Hunters back in front 3-2. Jarrett scored from third on a throwing error in the sixth, Luis Curbelo connected for an RBI double in the seventh, and David Washington hit a solo homer to right-center in the eighth, stretching the visitors’ lead to 6-2.
Long Island rallied for three runs in the ninth inning on Lew Ford’s RBI double to right and Alex Dickerson’s two-run homer to center. However, the rally ended just a run short.
Rutkowski (1-1) earned the win, tossing five and one-third innings of two-run ball, allowing five hits and a walk while striking out three. Stock (8-3) suffered the loss despite striking out a career-high 13 batters, giving up four runs (two earned) on four hits over six innings. Bryan Blanton collected his eighth save after recording the final two outs.
Ruben Tejada led the Flock with three hits and scored a run. Dickerson added two hits, two RBIs and two runs, while De Aza totaled two hits and a run batted in.
The Ducks and Honey Hunters 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 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive 2023 Ducks Team Photos, courtesy of Farmingdale Meat Market. It’s also a Waddle In Wednesday at the ballpark, and fans will be able to enjoy $10 off Ducks Fan Chains at the Waddle In Shop throughout the ballgame. Left-hander Ian Clarkin (2-2, 5.53) takes the mound for the Ducks against Honey Hunters righty Zach Mort (11-2, 4.89).
Tickets to the game, and all Ducks 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 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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