This week, the Long Island Ducks found reason to celebrate, including a first-place standing in the Atlantic League’s North Division, an offensive explosion in their 15-3 victory on Tuesday, and word from New York State officials that the state’s population – including baseball fans – had reached the 70% vaccinated threshold, allowing the team to lift capacity restrictions at the ballpark.
As part of the celebration of restrictions being lifted – and anticipated larger crowds — the Ducks announced that the first of seven fireworks shows will be held this Saturday (June 19) following the team’s 6:35 p.m. game against the Lancaster Barnstormers.
“Long Islanders have done a tremendous job fighting this pandemic,” said Ducks Owner/CEO Frank Boulton. “With this latest progress report now public, it is time to continue to work towards getting back to life as we knew it, which includes spending a beautiful summer night with the Long Island Ducks. We look forward to seeing everyone at the ballpark.”
Until the recent vaccination milestone, the organization had been limited in its ability to seat fans. Abiding by the State’s previous guidelines, sections and row were designated for fully-vaccinated fans and for those still needing to practice social distancing.
Now, seating capacity can return to levels prior to the restrictions ordered by the Governor. Although capacity will be increased, team officials noted that many of the COVID-19 safety procedures will remain in place. Precautions such as digital ticketing, enhanced cleanings, Silver Defender technology deployed throughout the ballpark, and more, will continue through at least the end of the current baseball season.
Offensive Explosion
Long Island defeated the West Virginia Power 15-3 on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
The scoring started in the first inning with a two-out RBI double down the left field line by shortstop Ryan Jackson. First baseman Sal Giardina doubled the lead to two in the second with an RBI double to right-center field. The lead doubled once again in the third when Jackson crushed a two-run home run to left, making it a 4-0 ballgame.
West Virginia closed to within a run in the fourth, but the Ducks exploded for seven runs in the bottom of the fifth, stretching their advantage to 11-3. Two-run singles by Lew Ford and Steve Lombardozzi and RBI singles from Hector Sanchez and Rey Fuentes highlighted the big inning.
The Ducks scored four more runs in the eighth, punctuated by a three-run dinger to right by Fuentes.
Mike Bolsinger (1-3) earned his first win of the season. Jackson led the Flock offensively with three hits, three RBIs and two runs. Fuentes added two hits, four RBIs and two runs.
