T-Yanks Flirt with Perfection in Double-Header Split with Hammerheads
May 18, 2016 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Tampa Yankees News Release
TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Yankees managed two hits in a 1-0 loss to the Jupiter Hammerheads before nearly accomplishing perfection in a 3-1 victory in the double-header on Wednesday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
It took the Yankees until the sixth inning to place a runner on base in game one. Santiago Nessy disrupted the perfect-game effort by knocking a leadoff single off RHP Jorgan Cavanerio.
The Hammerheads scored the lone run of the game off Ian Clarkin in the second. Taylor Ard hit a leadoff triple to the right-center and John Norwood followed with an RBI single into left.
Clarkin (L, 3-4) took a tough-luck loss despite his first career complete game. The southpaw allowed one run on six hits in seven innings, walking one while tallying three strikeouts. Clarkin threw 62 of his 91 pitches for strikes.
RHP Edwin Jackson tossed a 1-2-3 inning in the first as part of a Major league rehab assignment from the Miami Marlins. Cavanerio (W, 3-3) entered in the second and retired the first 12 batters he faced. The righty held Tampa to two hits in six scoreless frames, striking out three.
The Yankees decided to try their luck at history in game two.
James Reeves (W, 2-0) made his first career start and dismissed all 12 batters he faced. The lefty tied a season-high with seven strikeouts and threw 37 of his 51 pitches for strikes.
Tampa produced a two-out rally against LHP Michael Mader in the third. Michael O'Neill drew a four-pitch walk, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Arturo Rodriguez. Jorge Mateo smacked a ball just over the right field wall for a two-run home run. Abiatal Avelino followed with a single to right and promptly stole second before scoring on a double by Billy Fleming.
Mader (L, 2-1) allowed three runs on five hits in four innings, walking one while striking out three.
RHP Travis Hissong relieved Reeves in the fifth and sat down the first seven Hammerheads he faced. The Yankees were two outs away from history when Justin Bohn hit a one-out, solo home run inches over the leaping glove of Zack Zehner at the left field wall. Hissong retired the next two batters, earning his first save with Tampa.
Both games took less than 90 minutes to complete.
Mateo (1-for-6, HR, 2 RBI, R) hit his fifth home run and leads the team with 26 RBI. Avelino (2-for-3, R, 2 SB) stole a base in each game and tallied his eighth multi-hit game. Fleming (1-for-6, 2B, RBI)) is tied for the league lead with 11 doubles.
The series wraps up on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. when RHP Chance Adams (3-0, 3.78 ERA) makes his eighth start for the Yankees. RHP Jeff Brigham (0-3, 7.18 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Hammerheads.
Every Thursday Tampa Yankees home game, fans can enjoy 14 oz. draft beer for $2 and 1/2 price regular soda from 6:00pm-8:00pm.
• Discuss this story on the Florida State League message board...
Florida State League Stories from May 18, 2016
- Tough Seventh Derails Stone Crabs - Charlotte Stone Crabs
- Bryan, Grayson Power Cardinals to Victory - Palm Beach Cardinals
- Alford's Three RBIs Fuel Jays' Comeback Win - Dunedin Blue Jays
- T-Yanks Flirt with Perfection in Double-Header Split with Hammerheads - Tampa Yankees
- Three Is a Magic Number for Daytona - Daytona Tortugas
- Miracle Blow Lead, Clipped by D-Jays, 5-3 - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Pullin Homers in DH Split - Clearwater Threshers
- Mets, Threshers Split Doubleheader - St. Lucie Mets
- Flying Tigers Return Home Friday for Series against the Stone Crabs (Rays) - Lakeland Flying Tigers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
