Banwart’s Brilliant, but Ducks Drop Series Finale

(Central Islip, N.Y., June 9, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the High Point Rockers 5-3 on Sunday afternoon in the finale of a three-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.

Both teams traded runs in the second inning. Brett Austin’s RBI single to right field off Ducks starter Travis Banwart gave the Rockers a 1-0 lead. Vladimir Frias’ RBI double to right-center off Rockers starter Tyler Herron tied the game at one.

Long Island took a 3-1 lead in the fourth on a sacrifice fly to left field off the bat of Ezequiel Carrera and an RBI single to left by Steve Lombardozzi. It stayed that way until the top of the eighth when Viosergy Rosa hit a grand slam to left field, putting High Point in front 5-3.

Neither starter factored into the decision. Banwart tossed seven innings of one-run ball in his Ducks debut, allowing just four hits and a walk while striking out 11 batters. Herron lasted five and one-third innings, yielding three runs on nine hits and two walks with four strikeouts. Chase Huchingson (1-1) picked up the win after pitching a scoreless seventh inning, walking one and striking out one. Vin Mazzaro (1-3) suffered the loss, surrendering four runs on three hits and a walk in one inning. Trevor Frank collected his 10th save with a scoreless ninth.

Rando Moreno had two hits, a run and a walk to lead the Flock. Lombardozzi and David Washington added two hits apiece as well.

The Ducks continue their homestand on Tuesday night when they open a three-game series against the Somerset Patriots. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m., with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). It’s another Teal Tuesday! During the game, Ducks players and coaches will sport brand new teal-colored 20th Anniversary Season jerseys and caps on the field. In addition, select 20th Anniversary Season items will be available at a discount in the Waddle In Shop throughout the game. Right-hander Joe Iorio (2-0, 2.01) gets the start for the Ducks against Patriots southpaw Brett Oberholtzer (3-1, 5.09).

Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, can be purchased by visiting the box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE. Those unable to make the game can follow all the action on the Long Island Ducks Broadcast Network. Live streaming video and audio will be available via BoxCast on LIDucks.com, Facebook Live and the Ducks official YouTube channel.

The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) 

With eight teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Texas, 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 900 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 40 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 22-year history.

For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.

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