After finishing atop the Atlantic League’s North Division in the first half, the Long Island Ducks’ second half has been a certifiably bumpy ride. Though the electricity pulsing throughout Fairfield Properties Ballpark is as positively charged as it’s ever been. A testament to the Island’s need for local, minor league ball – this year more than ever, following the loss of last year due to the pandemic.
Friday Night Lights, Table set Just Right
A Daniel Fields two-run home run to right field and a Vladimir Friars lead-pushing triple that also plated a pair were all the Flock needed in a 9-1 laugher. Though Sunday’s seasonally appropriate Football-evoking score would render it a close game by comparison.
Two Touchdowns, Two Field Goals.. a 20-Run Slug Fest
With the series even a piece following Saturday’s 13-2 loss to the Barnstormers, the Flock sought to set the record straight – and reclaim the four-game set they initially felt was theirs for the taking. And take it by the horns, they most definitely did when it came to the offensive turnout on Sunday.
Hector Sanchez’ second three-run shot in the home half of the sixth sent Lancaster completely out of reach in the 20-4, double[1]digit bloodbath. Steve Lombardozzi also delivered three hits, while the struggling Chris Shaw broke out with a key two RBI single in the fifth inning before the game had gotten totally out of hand.
Bats, Wheels Come Alive – Better Late than Never on Labor Day
Trailing 3-0 in the sixth, the hometown heroes sent ten batters to the plate in an inning where they would ultimately score six total.
In addition to chasing starter Augie Silk, then doing further damage when reliever Donald Goodson entered the game, the Ducks also took advantage of Barnstormer backstop Anthony Peroni. Everyone from speedster Johnni Turbo to elder statesmen Lew Ford swiped a bag off the injury[1]replacement catcher.
The rally commenced with a 2 RBI-single by Ford, and was capped off by Hector Sanchez’s towering two-run blast to right. The Ducks plated five more in the later innings of a game won by a score of 11-7.
Backman Bets on a Beaten Down Bullpen to Get it Done
Starting pitcher Joe Iorio received the victory Monday afternoon. A game fans in attendance feared would come right down to the wire based on the struggles of Tanner Wilt in his second inning of work. The relief pitcher would eventually bring it together and net the final out – securing the series win for the Ducks, and the momentum heading into the remainder of their homestretch.
“He should have probably thrown only one inning today,” Manager Wally Backman confessed. “He threw that one inning, and he pitched really good. We’re just trying to save the main guys in the bullpen for the new series. It was a tough outing for Wilt, but I still like what comes out of his hand.” Though the 2021 season may be winding down, the Flock still have a full slate of games left – running through early October – to make up their second half deficit. Then, it’s all hands on deck in the postseason, which oftentimes is simply a matter of becoming hot at the right moment in time.
As they certainly were this weekend, there’s no telling what this veteran-led team can do when it matters most.
This weekend, the Ducks travel to take on Lancaster in their house for a three-game set. Then, they make their way down to Southern Maryland for what will hopefully be a Blue Crab cookout, before returning to Central Islip once more to topple the York Revolution.
LI Ducks and ALPB
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB), a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball, and are set to play 2021 home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark (the former Bethpage Ballpark). For more information on the team, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit the official website at www.liducks.com.
With teams throughout the Mid-Atlantic, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent over 1,000 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 42 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 24-year history.
For more about the ALPB, fans can check out www.AtlanticLeague.com.
