De Paula Stays Hot for T-Yanks in 5-2 Win
Published on June 28, 2014 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Tampa Yankees News Release
TAMPA, Fla. - Rafael De Paula pitched a second consecutive scoreless outing as the Tampa Yankees (6-4) defeated the Dunedin Blue Jays (3-7) 5-2 on Star Wars night at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Darth Vader threw out the first pitch as Storm Troopers and Jedi Knights roamed the stands at the ballpark. The top story, though, was the rehab appearance made by New York Yankees LHP CC Sabathia.
The former Cy Young Award winner suffered right knee inflammation that has sidelined him since May 11th. Sabathia threw a total of 37 pitches in two and a third innings in his first rehab appearance with the Tampa Yankees. The southpaw allowed two runs on three hits and a walk, striking out two.
A walk and an infield single placed runners on base for Dunedin in the second. With two outs, Christian Lopes lined a ball off the glove of the diving Jake Cave in right-center field. Both runners scored on the play, giving the Blue Jays a 2-0 lead.
The Yankees quickly responded in the home half of the frame. Aaron Judge worked a leadoff walk and advanced on a wild pitch. Angelo Gumbs drove a double to the gap in right-center, scoring Judge. Matt Snyder followed with a game-tying RBI single into right field.
De Paula (4-5) relieved Sabathia following a one-out single by Marcus Knecht in the third. The right-hander retired the side and proceeded to pitch five and two-third innings of scoreless baseball. De Paula scattered four hits and a walk, striking out four.
Took a 3-2 lead in the fourth against Blue Jays' starter Tayler Cole. Gumbs singled before two quick fly outs by Snyder and Trent Garrison. A single by Jose Rosario kept the inning alive and moved Gumbs to third. Jake Cave then hit a hard ground ball off the glove of Cole and reached on an infield single, scoring Gumbs.
Cole faced four batters in the fifth. Greg Bird walked and Judge singled before Yeicok Calderon ripped a double into right field. Cole hit Gumbs with a pitch, loading the bases as Dunedin brought in reliever Chad Girodo. Snyder greeted the left-hander with an RBI single to center.
Cole (5-5) pitched over four innings, allowing five runs on eight hits. The righty walked three and struck out four.
RHP Cesar Vargas earned his third save for Tampa. Dunedin brought the tying run to the plate as Lopez and Dwight Smith Jr. reached. Vargas ended the game by striking out Knecht.
The series wraps up on Sunday with a 1:00 p.m. first pitch. RHP Jaron Long (2-2, 3.38 ERA) will get the start for Tampa. Southpaw Matt Boyd (5-1, 0.94 ERA) is scheduled to toss for Dunedin.
Seniors eat free on Sunday home games with the Tampa Yankees. Fans ages 55 and over receive a coupon for a free scooter dog, small popcorn and a small soda, with the purchase of a $5 reserved ticket. Also, kids ages 14 and under receive free admission.
Florida State League Stories from June 28, 2014
- 'Crabs Win Second Straight 3-1 - Charlotte Stone Crabs
- De Paula Stays Hot for T-Yanks in 5-2 Win - Tampa Yankees
- Pina Blasts Walkoff Homer to Beat Marauders 4-3 - St. Lucie Mets
- Hammerheads Fall in Series Opener - Jupiter Hammerheads
- Charles Homers Twice in 12-Inning Loss - Clearwater Threshers
- Miracle Comeback for 3-2 Walk-Off Win over Cards - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Flying Tigers Manager Dave Huppert Away Indefinitely - Lakeland Flying Tigers
- Stone Crabs Snap 10-Game Losing Streak - Charlotte Stone Crabs
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