Long Island scores three runs in the ninth to overcome two-run deficit
(Central Islip, N.Y., June 10, 2021) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the High Point Rockers 7-6 in waddle-off fashion on Thursday night in the rubber game of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
High Point took an early 1-0 lead off Ducks starter Vin Mazzaro on a two-out RBI single to right-center field by Stuart Levy in the first inning. Two more runs in the second on an RBI groundout from Randy Norris and a run-scoring fielder’s choice off the bat of James McOwen increased the visitor’s lead to three.
Long Island closed to within 3-2 in the bottom of the second on RBI singles from Rey Fuentes and Daniel Fields off Rockers starter Luke Westphal. However, a run-scoring double by Jared Mitchell in the fifth pushed the Rockers advantage to two.
The Ducks rallied to tie the game in the sixth on Ryan Jackson’s sac fly to right and an RBI fielder’s choice off the bat of Sal Giardina. It stayed that way until the eighth when McOwen’s RBI double and Michael Russell’s RBI single put High Point ahead 6-4. However, the Flock answered for three runs in the bottom of the ninth to earn the 7-6 win. Brock Stassi’s two-run single and a throwing error that allowed L.J. Mazzilli to score highlighted the inning.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Mazzaro pitched four and two-thirds innings, giving up four runs on six hits and six walks while striking out three. Westphal lasted five and one-third innings, allowing four runs on four hits and two walks with three strikeouts. Michael Tonkin (1-0) picked up the win after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning, striking out one. Nefi Ogando (1-1) suffered the loss, surrendering three runs (two earned) on two hits and two walks in one-third of an inning.
Stassi led the Flock offensively with two hits, two RBIs and two runs. Johnni Turbo added two hits and a run, while Mazzilli finished with a hit, two runs and two walks.
The Ducks hit the road on Friday night to open a three-game series against the York Revolution. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at PeoplesBank Park. Fans 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 as well as the Ducks official Facebook and YouTube accounts. Right-hander Joe Iorio (1-0, 2.70) gets the start for the Ducks against Revolution righty Duke Von Schamann (1-1, 6.30).
Long Island returns home on Tuesday, June 15, to begin a three-game set against the West Virginia Power. 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). It’s a Triple Play Tuesday at the ballpark! If the Ducks turn a triple play in the game, one lucky fan will win $25,000. Fans simply need to sign up prior to first pitch at the Ticket Kiosk on the main concourse to be eligible. Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, are available by calling (631) 940-TIXX or by CLICKING HERE.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball, and play their home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call (631) 940-DUCK (3825).
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League is the first Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. ALPB has sent over 950 players to MLB organizations while drawing 42 million fans to its family friendly ballparks over its 24-year history. Please visit AtlanticLeague.com.
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