(Central Islip, N.Y., Aug. 13, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Gastonia Honey Hunters 10-7 on Sunday evening in the rubber game of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Long Island jumped out to a 2-0 lead with single runs in the first and second innings on Alex Dickerson’s sacrifice fly to left field and a wild pitch by Honey Hunters starter Brett Daniels that scored Brantley Bell. Gastonia got on the scoreboard in the fourth when Steven Moya scored on a wild pitch by Ducks starter Merandy Gonzalez.
A six-run fifth inning put the Honey Hunters on top 7-2. Zach Jarrett’s two-run triple, Braxton Davidson’s RBI fielder’s choice and David Washington’s three-run home run did the damage. Long Island closed the gap to three in the seventh on Lew Ford’s two-run homer down the right field line.
Gastonia answered with three runs in the ninth on Moya’s RBI single and Washington’s two-run homer to make it 10-4. Long Island responded with three of their own in the bottom of the ninth on Ford’s RBI single and Sam Travis’ two-run single, but they could not complete the comeback.
Daniels (3-0) earned the win, tossing five innings of two-run ball, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out eight. Gonzalez (3-3) took the loss, surrendering four runs on two hits and six walks in four innings with eight strikeouts.
Travis led the Ducks offensively with four hits and two RBIs. Ford added two hits, three RBIs and two runs.
The Ducks hit the road on Tuesday night to open a three-game series against the Lancaster Barnstormers. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Clipper Magazine Stadium. Fans can follow all the action live on Flo Baseball by CLICKING HERE. Left-hander Kyle Lobstein (3-3, 4.21) gets the start for the Ducks against Barnstormers southpaw Jared Lakind (7-3, 3.35).
Long Island returns home on Friday, August 18, to begin a three-game set against the Charleston Dirty Birds. The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Ducks Cooling Towels, courtesy of Merch & Swag. It’s also a Tap Room Friday at the ballpark, and Ducks staff members will be handing out coupons for 20% off your entire meal at The Tap Room as fans exit the ballpark following the game. It’s a Grand Slam Friday as well, and the sixth inning will be designated as the Grand Slam Inning. If the Ducks fourth batter of the inning launches a home run with the bases loaded, one lucky fan will win $25,000. 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.
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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