(Central Islip, N.Y., May 4, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Staten Island FerryHawks 4-3 in waddle-off fashion on Thursday night in the rubber game of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Long Island went in front 2-0 in the second inning on Luis Guerrero’s RBI triple to left-center field and Adeiny Hechavarria’s RBI single through the right side off FerryHawks starter Jonathon Crawford. Staten Island closed to within 2-1 in the fourth on Zachary Racusin’s sacrifice fly to right off Ducks starter Ian Clarkin.
It stayed that way until the eighth when Racusin beat out an RBI fielder’s choice to tie the game at two. The FerryHawks then took the lead in the ninth on a two-out RBI double to center by Jeff Wehler. However, a walk-off two-run single up the middle by Mike Wilson in the bottom of the ninth won the game for the Flock.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Clarkin pitched four innings, yielding one unearned run on three hits while striking out seven. Crawford also tossed four innings, giving up two runs on seven hits and two walks with three strikeouts. Kevin Quackenbush (1-0) picked up the win despite allowing a run on two hits in the ninth. Jim Fuller (0-1) suffered the loss, surrendering two runs on a hit and two walks in one-third of an inning.
Wilson led the Flock with four hits, two RBIs and a run. Guerrero and Lew Ford added two hits apiece.
The Ducks continue their homestand on Friday night when they open a three-game series against the Gastonia Honey Hunters. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m., with Fairfield Properties Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, the Ducks will be debuting their alternate identity: “Papas Playas”. 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 any of The Tap Room’s five locations on Long Island as fans exit the ballpark. It’s a Grand Slam Friday as well. The sixth inning will be designated as the Grand Slam Inning, and if the Ducks fourth batter of the inning launches a home run with the bases loaded, one lucky fan will win $25,000. Right-hander Stephen Woods Jr. (1-0, 0.00) gets the start for the Ducks against Honey Hunters righty Alex Sanabia (0-0, 12.00).
Tickets for the game, and all Ducks games, are available by visiting the Fairfield Properties Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE. Those unable to make the game can follow all the action live on Flo Baseball by 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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