Ducks' Bats Held in Check in Shutout Loss to Rockers
Published on July 22, 2023 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Long Island Ducks News Release
(High Point, N.C.) - The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the High Point Rockers 6-0 on Saturday night in the middle game of a three-game series at Truist Point.
High Point took an immediate 3-0 lead in the bottom half of the first inning versus Long Island starting pitcher Joe Iorio courtesy of a one-out, three-run home run to left field off the bat of Ben Aklinski. The Rockers added three insurance runs in the last of the eighth which gave them a 6-0 advantage, highlighted by a two-run double to center field produced by Ryan Grotjohn on the tenth pitch of the at bat from reliever Justin Alintoff, and a run-scoring base knock from Brian Parreira.
The Flock had no answer offensively against Rockers staring pitcher Justin Nicolino, who began his night on the mound retiring 17 of the first 19 Ducks batters he faced, including a stretch in which he erased 16 consecutive hitters. The bullpen duo of Jameson McGrane and Ryan Dull put on the finishing touches in the final two frames as Long Island was shutout in a ballgame for just the second time this season.
Nicolino (3-0) picked up the victory after firing seven scoreless innings on just three hits allowed, walking one and striking out six. Iorio (3-6) was tagged with the loss, surrendering three runs (two earned) on three hits (one home run) in five innings on the mound, walking two while striking out four.
Brantley Bell had a pair of hits for the visitors, including an infield single and a double, and stole two bases in the losing effort.
The Ducks and Rockers conclude their three-game series on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. at Truist Point. Fans can follow all the action live on Flo Baseball. Right-hander Robert Stock (5-1, 4.08) gets the start for the Flock against Rockers righty Mickey Jannis (8-3, 3.21).
Long Island returns home on Tuesday, July 25, to open a three-game series against the Spire City Ghost Hounds. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m., with the Fairfield Properties Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). It's a Triple Play Tuesday at the ballpark! If the Ducks turn a triple play during the game, one lucky fan will win $25,000. Simply sign up prior to first pitch at the Ticket Kiosk on the main concourse to be eligible. Tickets for the game, and all Ducks games, are available by visiting the Fairfield Properties Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX.
Atlantic League Stories from July 22, 2023
- Ducks' Bats Held in Check in Shutout Loss to Rockers - Long Island Ducks
- High Point Blanks Long Island, 6-0 - High Point Rockers
- Another Big Night for Stokes, Jr. - Lancaster Stormers
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