(Central Islip, N.Y., April 25, 2024) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Lancaster Stormers 6-2 on Thursday night in the opening game of the 2024 season, presented by Catholic Health, at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Long Island opened the scoring in the first when Ivan Castillo doubled and then scored on an error that allowed Jackie Bradley Jr. to reach base. Bradley Jr. doubled the lead to two in the third with an RBI double down the left field line off Stormers starter Brad Markey.
Lancaster tied the game at two in the fifth on an RBI single by Isan Diaz off Ducks starter Stephen Woods Jr. and a run-scoring fielder’s choice off the bat of Niko Hulsizer. However, the Ducks reclaimed the two-run lead at 4-2 in the bottom of the frame on a bases loaded hit by pitch of Hector Gomez and a sac fly off the bat of Chance Sisco.
The Ducks extended the lead to 6-2 with single runs in the seventh and eighth. An RBI groundout to third by Gomez and an RBI fielder’s choice by Scott Kelly rounded out the scoring.
Woods Jr. did not factor into the decision but tossed four and one-third innings of two-run ball, allowing five hits and three walks while striking out nine. Ramon Santos (1-0) picked up the win after recording the final two outs of the fifth inning. Markey (0-1) took the loss, conceding four runs (one earned) on four hits and three walks over four and two-thirds innings with two strikeouts.
Ivan Castillo led the Ducks offensively with two hits and a run scored. Five Ducks relievers combined to pitch four and two-thirds scoreless innings, yielding four hits and three walks with seven strikeouts.
The Ducks and Stormers continue their four-game series on Friday night. 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 Ducks are beginning their 2004 Championship 20th Anniversary Series, and the first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive a 2004 Atlantic League Champions poster. It’s also a Tap Room Friday, and as fans exit the ballpark, Ducks staff members will be handing out coupons for 20% off your entire check (dine-in) and 50% off your first online or mobile app order from Tap Room.
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 FloBaseball. Sign up today by CLICKING HERE.
The Ducks are entering their 24th season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip, N.Y. They are the all-time leader in wins and attendance in Atlantic League history, led all MLB Partner Leagues in attendance in 2023, and have sold out a record 706 games all-time. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825).
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
Celebrating its third decade, 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. Over its 25-year history, the ALPB has sent over 1,400 players to MLB organizations while drawing over 47 million fans to its family-friendly ballparks. Please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
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