Long Island scores eight two-out runs and totals eight extra-base hits in victory
(Central Islip, N.Y., May 25, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Sugar Land Skeeters 8-4 on Saturday night in the middle game of a three-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.
L.J. Mazzilli put the Ducks ahead 1-0 in the third inning with an RBI single through the right side off Skeeters starter Luke Irvine. Zach Borenstein answered with a two-run home run to center field in the fourth off Ducks starter Joe Iorio to put the Skeeters on top 2-1.
It stayed that way until the sixth when Hector Sanchez, Daniel Fields and David Washington hit back-to-back-to-back two-out solo home runs off Jean Machi to give Long Island a 4-2 lead. Four more two-out runs came home in the seventh to push the advantage to six. RBI doubles by Mazzilli and Kirk Nieuwenhuis, a run-scoring single from Sanchez and an RBI triple by Fields did the damage.
Sugar Land scored two runs in the ninth on an RBI double by Anthony Giansanti and an RBI single by Borenstein. However, Cody Mincey came on and retired three straight hitters to seal the victory.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Iorio pitched four innings, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out three. Irvine lasted five innings, yielding a run on six hits and a walk with three strikeouts. Mariel Checo (1-0) picked up the win with two scoreless innings of relief. Machi (2-1) suffered the loss, surrendering three runs on three hits in one inning of relief.
Fields, Matt den Dekker and Steve Lombardozzi each had three hits to pace the Flock offensively. Mazzilli and Sanchez each added two hits and two RBIs.
The Ducks and Skeeters wrap up their three-game set on Sunday afternoon. Game time is slated for 1:35 p.m., with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 12:35 (12:20 for full season ticket holders). Prior to the game, fans will be invited onto the field with an autograph session with the Ducks from 12:50 to 1:05. After the game, kids and kids at heart can take part in Kids Run the Bases, presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Left-hander Jake Fisher (2-2, 4.82) toes the rubber for the Ducks against Skeeters righty Michael Mariot (1-0, 1.13).
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.
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