Pitching Dominant in T-Yanks' 4-1 Win
Published on June 7, 2014 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Tampa Yankees News Release
TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Yankees (30-31) pitching staff combined for 16 strikeouts in a 4-1 win over the Charlotte Stone Crabs (29-30) on Friday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Rafael De Paula (2-3) tied a season-high with eight strikeouts. The right-hander surrendered one run on eight hits and a walk in five innings of work.
RHPs Nick Goody and Cesar Vargas struck out four batters apiece. Goody walked the leadoff batter in the seventh before retiring the next six in a row. Vargas earned the save in his Tampa Yankees return, retiring all six batters he faced in the eighth and ninth. Vargas was promoted from low-A Charleston prior to the game.
Tampa fell behind early as Charlotte scored a run in the first. Tommy Coyle led off with a bunt single, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Trent Garrison. Leonardo Reginatto chased him home with a single to right, giving the Stone Crabs a 1-0 lead.
The T-Yanks tied it up against RHP Austin Pruitt in the third. Claudio Custodio led off with a single and stole second. A pickoff attempt by catcher Justin O'Conner sailed center field, allowing Custodio to reach third. Jake Cave then tied the game with an RBI groundout.
Pruitt (3-2) allowed three runs (one earned) on two hits and two walks in five and a third innings. The righty struck out six in the loss for Charlotte.
The Yankees took a 2-1 lead in the fifth without the need of a hit. Jose Toussen walked and stole second. A flyout by Garrison allowed Toussen to tag to third before a wild pitch by Pruitt scored him.
A third Tampa run crossed in the sixth. With one out, Greg Bird reached on an error by Reginatto at shortstop. Bird advanced on a single by Dante Bichette Jr. and a wild pitch placed the runners on second and third. Yeicok Calderon then scored Bird with an infield single to second.
Francisco Cervelli went 0-for-3 with a walk in his second rehab game with Tampa. Bird went 2-for-4 with a double, and RBI and a run scored.
The final run scored in the seventh against reliever Parker Markel. Garrison led off by singling down the third base line. A sacrifice bunt by Custodio advanced Garrison to second before Cave drew a walk. One out later, Bird crushed a ground-rule double to right-center field, driving in Garrison and giving Tampa a 4-1 lead.
The series wraps up with a 6:00 p.m. first pitch on Saturday. RHP Jaron Long is scheduled to make his Tampa Yankees debut with a start against RHP Reinaldo Lopez (3-2, 3.67 ERA) for Charlotte. The first 250 fans in attendance will receive a collectable Mariano Rivera bobble head, courtesy of AT&T. Stick around after the game for a fireworks show, sponsored by Bright House Networks.
Fans can enjoy a food truck rally before the game, beginning at 4:30 p.m. The rally will include Tasty Stacy, Hot Mess, PAO, Ain't no Thing, Enjoi Sweets, Disco Donuts and Kona Ice.
Saturday is also Friends and Family Night at George M. Steinbrenner Field, sponsored by Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo. For just $38, a family of four can enjoy a four-pack of reserved tickets, hot dogs, chips sodas and Tampa Yankees caps as well as two passes to Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo. Prior to the game, kids are welcome to run the bases from 5-5:15 p.m. and receive player autographs on the concourse from 5:10-5:30 p.m.
Florida State League Stories from June 7, 2014
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- Hobson, Bullpen Deliver Blue Jays to 4-2 Win over Mets - St. Lucie Mets
- Tomshaw Tames Flying Tigers in 4-3 Victory - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Saturday's Brevard County/Bradenton game suspended - Brevard County Manatees
- Pitching Dominant in T-Yanks' 4-1 Win - Tampa Yankees
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