Ford, Payton Homer in T-Yanks 9-4 Win
April 12, 2016 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Tampa Yankees News Release
TAMPA, Fla. - Mark Payton finished a triple shy of the cycle and Mike Ford added to his league-high RBI total as the Tampa Yankees (5-1) pounded the Bradenton Marauders (2-4), 9-4, on Tuesday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
The T-Yanks tallied 13 hits in the victory. Tampa has now collected double-digit hits in five of the first six games of the season and is hitting .313 as a team, leading the Florida State League.
Zack Zehner doubled to leadoff the Yankee third and later scored when Payton crushed a two-run home run over the wall in dead-center. It was the first homer of the season for the 5'7, 165 lb. outfielder. Jorge Mateo followed with a single to center and stole second. One out later, Miguel Andujar added an RBI single to left, giving Tampa a 3-0 advantage.
RHP Vicente Campos got the start for Tampa and tossed three scoreless frames before running into trouble in the fourth.
Back-to-back walks and a sacrifice bunt placed runners at second and third with no outs. Taylor Gushue lined a two-run double to right and scored on a base hit by Pablo Reyes. Later, Elvis Escobar singled and stole second before scoring the go-ahead run on a two-out, RBI single by Kevin Newman.
Campos took home a no-decision, allowing four runs on six hits in four innings. The right-hander walked two and struck out four.
The Yankees tied the score against Bradenton starter Alex McRae in the fifth. Payton drew a leadoff walk and advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Mateo. One out later, Andujar cashed him in with an infield single towards the shortstop.
McRae allowed four runs on five hits in five innings of work, walking two and striking out one in a no-decision.
Tampa ran away with the win after scoring five runs in the seventh. Payton doubled and scored on a double by Mateo. Aune walked and both runners advanced on an errant pick-off throw by RHP Junior Lopez (0-1). Andujar tacked on his third RBI single and Mike Ford blasted a three-run home run over the Walgreen's Deck in right.
RHP Eric Ruth (1-0) tallied four strikeouts in three no-hit innings of relief. The only base runner allowed by Ruth came on a strikeout-wild pitch to Michael Suchy in the sixth.
Caleb Frare worked around four walks in two scoreless relief innings, closing out the game. The southpaw also did not surrender a hit or a run.
Mateo (3-for-4, 2B, RBI, SB, 2 R) added his second three-hit game of the season. Ford (1-for-3, HR, BB, 3 RBI, R) leads the FSL with 12 RBI. Andujar (3-for-5, 3 RBI, SB, R) is second on the team with seven RBI. Payton (3-for-3, HR, 2B, 2 RBI, 3 R) reached base in each of his plate appearances.
The Yankees will look to clinch a series win when they host the Marauders for game three on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. LHP Ian Clarkin (0-0, 1.80 ERA) is slated to start for Tampa against RHP Brandon Waddell (0-0, 0.00 ERA) for Bradenton.
Every Wednesday Night Tampa Yankees home game, kids 14 and under receive a coupon for a FREE hot dog, bag of Cracker Jack, and small soda or HI-C with the purchase of a lower reserved ticket ($5)! **Ticket and Food Special can ONLY be purchased at the George M. Steinbrenner Field Box Office.
Florida State League Stories from April 12, 2016
- Offense Struggles, Tortugas Drop Second Straight - Daytona Tortugas
- Ford, Payton Homer in T-Yanks 9-4 Win - Tampa Yankees
- Morris Shines in 2-1 Loss - Clearwater Threshers
- Bats Sleep Late in Marauders Loss - Bradenton Marauders
- Rosario Flirts with Perfect Game in 2-1 Miracle Victory - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Mets Toss Two-Hit Shutout in 1-0 Win over Dunedin - St. Lucie Mets
- Marauders Announce Stars and Stripes 5K Home Run - Bradenton Marauders
- Bullpen Falters, Tortugas Fall 7-3 - Daytona Tortugas
- Tortugas Hold off Late Rally - Daytona Tortugas
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