Dodgers Hold off Yankees

Published on May 23, 2005 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Vero Beach Devil Rays News Release


Despite a 4-run ninth inning from the Tampa Yankees, the Vero Beach Dodgers held on for a 6-5 win Thursday night at Holman Stadium. Vero trailed 1-0 most of the game, but scored six late runs to win the first game of a 4-game series against the Yankees. Justin Ruggiano hit his sixth home run and Andy LaRoche had three hits to lead the Dodgers offense. The series continues Friday night for Harbour Federal night. The first 500 fans through the gate will receive a Vero Beach Dodgers 25th anniversary seat cushion.

Tampa held the lead for most of the game. The Yankees scored an unearned run in the first inning and that lead held until the 6th. LaRoche led off that inning with a single and stole both second and third base. One out later Matt Kemp hit a mile-high popup to shallow center field. The Yankees shortstop dropped the ball and that scored the tying run.

Vero took the lead in the 7th when Xavier Paul scored on a wild pitch. Chin-lung Hu drove in his first of two runs with a center field single to bring home Tony Abreu and put the Dodgers on top 3-1. The lead grew in the 8th. Ruggiano led off the inning with a home run to center. Anthony Raglani followed with a double and Edwin Bellorin singled. Paul then rapped a base hit to left, scoring Raglani. Hu knocked a sacrifice fly to left to score Bellorin and put the Dodgers ahead 6-1.

In the top of the 9th, reliever Alvis Ojeda retired the first two hitters. But Hector Zamora drew a walk on a 3-2 count. Jon-Mark Sprowl and Ramiro Pena also walked to load the bases. Justin Christian then tripled into the right field corner and scored on a bad relay throw to suddenly pull the Yankees within a single run. Mark Alexander then came in and after walking the first batter he faced, struck out Matt Carson to end the game.

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Florida State League Stories from May 23, 2005


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