(Photo courtesy of Worth Canoy)
(High Point, N.C., Aug. 4, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the High Point Rockers 7-1 on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at Truist Point.
Ruben Tejada put the Flock in front early with a first inning solo home run to left field off Rockers starter Justin Nicolino. Lew Ford made it a 2-0 game in the third with an RBI double to right-center field, giving him the 500th RBI of his Ducks career and making him the seventh player in Atlantic League history to reach the milestone. Carlos Castro doubled the lead to four in the fourth with a two-run homer down the right field line.
Three more runs came home for Long Island in the sixth to make it a 7-0 game. Wilson Ramos’ two-run triple to center and Castro’s RBI infield single to third highlighted the inning. High Point cracked the scoreboard in the eighth on Shed Long Jr.’s RBI single to right-center off Ducks starter Robert Stock, but they would get no closer.
Stock (7-2) earned the win, tossing eight innings of one-run ball, allowing seven hits and two walks while striking out five. Nicolino (4-1) took the loss, conceding seven runs (six earned) on 11 hits in seven innings with one strikeout.
Ramos and Castro led the Ducks offensively with two hits, two RBIs and a run each. Ford added two hits and an RBI.
The Ducks and Rockers continue their three-game set on Saturday night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. at Truist Point. Fans can follow all the action live on Flo Baseball by CLICKING HERE. Right-hander Justin Courtney (0-1, 5.40) takes the mound for the Ducks against Rockers lefty Brandon Leibrandt (0-2, 7.02).
Long Island returns home on Tuesday, August 8, to begin a three-game set against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. 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). 1969 World Series champion New York Mets first baseman Ed Kranepool will be making an appearance at the ballpark. Kranepool will throw out a ceremonial first pitch and then sign autographs for fans outside the Waddle In Shop to promote his new book, which will be available for purchase in the store. He will be signing autographs for the first three innings of the game. It’s also a Triple Play Tuesday at the ballpark, and if the Ducks turn a triple play during the game, one lucky fan will win $25,000. 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.
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.
###