Sanchez, Washington and Nieuwenhuis all go yard in series-opener
(Central Islip, N.Y., June 7, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the High Point Rockers 5-4 on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.
Hector Sanchez opened the scoring in the second inning with a leadoff solo home run to right field off Rockers starter Stephen Johnson. Two innings later, David Washington added a solo homer to right, doubling the lead.
Long Island extended the advantage to 5-0 with a three-run fifth inning. An RBI single to right by Steve Lombardozzi and a two-run homer to left by Kirk Nieuwenhuis did the damage.
High Point closed to within 5-2 in the seventh on a two-run homer to right by Viosergy Rosa off Ducks starter Jake Fisher. A two-run double to left by Hector Gomez in the ninth closed the gap to one, but Enrique Burgos retired three consecutive hitters, striking out the final two, to strand the tying run in scoring position and secure the win.
Fisher (3-4) earned the win, tossing six innings of two-run ball, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out five. Johnson (3-2) took the loss, yielding five runs on seven hits and three walks over six innings with six strikeouts. Burgos recorded his fifth save of the season despite allowing two runs on two hits and a walk in the ninth.
Lombardozzi and Ramon Cabrera each had two hits to pace the Flock, while Nieuwenhuis added two RBIs.
The Ducks and Rockers continue their three-game set on Saturday night. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m., with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). The Look North Inspiration Series begins at the ballpark, presented by Northwell Health, and following the game, all fans in attendance will be treated to a Fireworks Spectacular. In addition, Ducks staff members will be handing out coupons for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more at Dick’s Sporting Goods to fans as they exit the ballpark following the game. Right-hander Alec Asher (3-0, 3.86) takes the mound for the Ducks against Rockers righty Joe Van Meter (2-2, 2.37).
Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, can be purchased by visiting the 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 video and audio will be available via BoxCast on LIDucks.com, Facebook Live and the Ducks official YouTube channel.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
With eight teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Texas, 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 900 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 40 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 22-year history.
For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
###
