Incredible Rally Helps Ducks Secure Doubleheader Split

(Central Islip, N.Y., June 21, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks split a single admission doubleheader with the Lancaster Barnstormers on Friday night at Bethpage Ballpark, dropping game one 4-3 before rallying for a 12-8 victory in game two.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis gave the Ducks a 2-0 lead in the first inning with a two-out, two-run home run to right field off Barnstormers starter John Anderson. Solo homers in the second and fourth inning by Joe Terdoslavich off Ducks starter Joe Iorio tied the game at two.

Long Island took the lead back in the bottom of the fourth on an RBI single to left by D’Arby Myers. However, a wild pitch in the fifth scored Parker Morin to tie the game at three. Dan Gamache’s two-out RBI single to left in the seventh put Lancaster ahead for good.

Iorio did not factor into the decision but lasted five innings, allowing three runs on six hits over five innings with three strikeouts. Anderson (5-3) collected the win after pitching six innings, allowing three runs on five hits and two walks while striking out six. Josh Lueke (0-1) suffered the loss, surrendering a run on a hit and two walks in the seventh inning. Cody Eppley picked up his ninth save of the year with a scoreless seventh, yielding two hits and striking out three.

Myers and Ramon Cabrera each had two hits for the Flock.

Lancaster took a 4-0 lead in the second inning of game two against Ducks starter Kevin McAvoy. A two-run single by Darian Sandford and an RBI double by Gamache highlighted the inning.

The Ducks closed to within 4-1 in the bottom of the second on Daniel Fields’ RBI single to right off Barnstormers starter Garrett Granitz. However, back-to-back two-run innings in the fourth and fifth for the Barnstormers put them in front 8-1.

With two outs in the sixth, Long Island rallied to score 11 runs and take a 12-8 lead. Another two-run homer by Nieuwenhuis, two-run singles by Rando Moreno and Nieuwenhuis, and RBI singles from Vladimir Frias, Hector Sanchez and David Washington helped lead the comeback.

Neither starter factored into the decision. McAvoy lasted two innings, giving up four runs on three hits and four walks with one strikeout. Granitz pitched three innings of one-run ball, yielding three hits and a walk with two strikeouts. Rob Rogers (1-0) picked up the win after pitching a scoreless sixth inning, while Caleb Gindl (0-1) took the loss, allowing three unearned runs on a hit, a walk and a hit batter.

Nieuwenhuis led the Flock with two hits, four RBIs and two runs. Sanchez and Fields each added two hits as well. The Ducks and Barnstormers continue their four-game set on Saturday night. 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). Following the game, all fans in attendance will be treated to a Fireworks Spectacular. In addition, Ducks staff members will be handing out coupons for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more at Dick’s Sporting Goods to fans as they exit the ballpark following the game. Left-hander Jake Fisher (3-6, 5.24) takes the mound for the Ducks against Barnstormers righty Kelvin Vasquez (0-1, 6.60).

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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