(Central Islip, N.Y., May 5, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks, known on Friday as Papas Playas, their alternate identity, were defeated by the Gastonia Honey Hunters 3-2 in the opener of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Papas Playas struck first in the bottom of the first inning on Sam Travis’ RBI double down the right field line and Lew Ford’s single to right field off Honey Hunters starter Alex Sanabia. It stayed that way until the seventh when a run-scoring groundout off the bat of Carlos Franco trimmed the Papas Playas lead to 2-1.
Scott Manea’s leadoff solo homer to left field in the eighth tied the game at two. A two-out solo homer to left-center by Curtis Terry in the ninth put the Honey Hunters ahead for good.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Stephen Woods Jr. pitched seven innings of one-run ball for Papas Playas, allowing four hits and a walk while striking out five. Sanabia lasted six innings, giving up two runs on seven hits with six strikeouts. Tyler Thomas (2-0) picked up the win with two scoreless innings of relief, striking out four. Kevin Quackenbush (1-1) took the loss, conceding the go-ahead run on the ninth inning homer. Jaime Schultz collected his third save with a scoreless ninth.
Boog Powell led Papas Playas offensively with two hits and a run scored. Joe DeCarlo added a pair of hits as well.
The Ducks and Honey Hunters continue their three-game set on Saturday night. 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). Following the game, all fans in attendance will be treated to the first Fireworks Spectacular of the season. It’s also a Lucky Seat Saturday, presented by Long Island MacArthur Airport. During the game, the Ducks will be selecting a lucky fan in the ballpark, who will win two roundtrips on Breeze Airways to any of their six non-stop destinations from Long Island MacArthur Airport. A Ducks starter to be determined takes the mound against Honey Hunters righty Zack Godley (0-0, 0.00).
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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