(Central Islip, N.Y., Sept. 17, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the High Point Rockers 13-2 on Sunday afternoon in the final game of the 2023 regular season at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
The Ducks struck for two runs in the opening inning against Rockers starter Joe Johnson on a bases loaded walk by Sam Travis and an RBI groundout by Hector Sanchez. Ruben Tejada’s RBI single to left field in the second made it a 3-0 game. Three more runs came home for the Flock in the third on Travis’ solo home run to left and Boog Powell’s two-run single to right.
Zander Wiel got High Point on the scoreboard in the fourth with a two-run home run to left-center field off Ducks starter Augie Voight. However, a five-run sixth inning for the Ducks stretched the lead to 11-2. Tejada’s solo homer to left-center, Jonathan Guzman’s pinch hit RBI single to center and Joe DeCarlo’s three-run homer to left-center did the damage. An RBI single to center for Hector Sanchez and a sac fly to right off the bat of DeCarlo in the seventh rounded out the scoring.
Voight (1-1) earned the win, tossing six innings of two-run ball, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out six. Johnson (0-1) suffered the loss, surrendering six runs (five earned) on eight hits and three walks over three innings with one strikeout.
Every Duck reached base safely in the game, with 10 earning at least one hit. Tejada led the Flock with three hits, two RBIs, two runs and a walk. Powell added three hits, two RBIs and a run, while Alejandro De Aza totaled three hits and three runs. DeCarlo finished with a hit, a walk, four RBIs and two runs.
The Ducks begin the 2023 Atlantic League playoffs on Tuesday night when they face the Lancaster Barnstormers in Game One of the best-of-five North Division Championship Series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Clipper Magazine Stadium. Fans can follow the action live on Flo Baseball by CLICKING HERE. Right-hander Robert Stock (9-4, 4.40) gets the start for the Ducks against Barnstormers righty Brent Teller (11-6, 5.69).
Following Games One and Two in Lancaster, the Ducks will return home for Game Three of the North Division Championship Series on Friday, September 22. 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 Summer Days and Double Plays T-Shirts, courtesy of Discover Long Island. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:10 to enjoy pregame team introductions Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home playoff 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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