Estrada Homers in Series-Opening Loss To Dunedin
August 24, 2016 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Tampa Yankees News Release
A possible postseason preview began on Tuesday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field, with the Tampa Yankees (31-27, 73-54) facing off against the first-place Dunedin Blue Jays (38-20, 72-55). Dunedin held on to a 2.0 game lead in the second-half standings by defeating Tampa, 8-3.
Should the Blue Jays win the second-half of the North Division, they will be the team to face the Yankees in the first round of the Florida State League playoffs.
Following an 89-minute rain delay, LHP Justus Sheffield ran in to some trouble in the first inning. Anthony Alford and Dickie Joe Thon each singled to begin the frame. Alford then scored as Max Pentecost reached on a fielder's choice.
The T-Yanks tied the score against RHP Luis Santos in the second. Rashad Crawford drew a two-out walk and advanced to third as Kevin Cornelius reached second on an infield single coupled with a throwing error by shortstop Jorge Flores. Crawford then scored as Jeff Hendrix reached on a fielder's choice, with Cornelius being tagged out between second and third after the run scored.
After allowing a walk by Jonathan Davis in the first, Sheffield retired the next eight batters he faced until walking Davis again in the fourth. One out later, Davis stole second and advanced to third on a passed ball by catcher Jesus Aparicio. Matt Dean drew a two-out walk and stole second. David Harris followed with a two-run single into right.
RHP Eric Ruth entered in relief and Jorge Flores grounded a hit-and-run single into right, pushing Harris to third. A second passed ball by Aparicio allowed Harris to score before Ruth struck out Alford, ending the inning.
Sheffield (L, 2-1) allowed four runs (three earned) on three hits in three and two-third innings. The southpaw walked three and tallied five strikeouts in his shortest outing since joining Tampa.
Santos (W, 3-1) recorded a career-high eight innings pitched. The right-hander retired 16-straight batters between the second and seventh innings. Santos allowed one unearned run on one hit, walking three while striking out three.
Alford led off the seventh by striking out, but reaching on a wild pitch by RHP Matt Marsh. One out later, Alford stole second and then scored on a single by Pentecost, giving Dunedin a 5-1 lead.
LHP James Reeves made his second relief appearance since his recent return to the bullpen and struck out the first two batters he faced in the ninth. Thon followed by homering over the left field wall. Pentecost then doubled down the right field line and Ryan McBroom flew a two-run home run over the wall in right.
Prior to tonight, Reeves had only allowed two home runs in 80.1 innings this season.
RHP Adonys Cardona relieved Santos in the ninth and Aparicio drew a leadoff walk. One out later, Thairo Estrada blasted a two-run home run over the left field wall. Cardona retired the next two batters, preserving the win.
Estrada (1-for-3, HR, BB, 2RBI, R) hit his first home run since June 9th. Crawford (0-for-1, 2BB) reached base twice. Ruth recorded 2.1 scoreless relief innings (2H, BB, 3K).
The series continues on Wednesday with RHP Yefrey Ramirez (2-6, 3.40 ERA) scheduled to pitch for Tampa against RHP Justin Shafer (4-6, 5.37 ERA) for Dunedin at 7:00 p.m. As part of #WishListWedesday, fans may bring in a donation for the Ronald McDonald House and receive $2 off a regularly priced ticket.
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