T-Yanks Rally for 3-2 Walk-Off in 2nd Half Opener
Published on June 19, 2014 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Tampa Yankees News Release
TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Yankees (1-0) started the second half of the Florida State League season in dramatic fashion by defeating the Lakeland Flying Tigers (0-1) 3-2 in a walk-off win on Thursday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Down to their final out, the Yankees scored twice in the bottom of the ninth, completing their fifth walk-off win of the season.
Lakeland led 2-1 as Jake Cave reached on a one-out single in the ninth against RHP Brennan Smith (2-2). A pop out by Cito Culver brought Greg Bird to the plate. On the first pitch, Bird doubled over the head of Chad Wright in left field, scoring Cave from first base. A wild pitch advanced Bird to third and Dante Bichette Jr. followed with a single down the right field line, scoring the winning run.
Tampa opened the scoring in the second inning as Yeicok Calderon hit a solo home run off of Lakeland starter Kevin Eichhorn. It was Calderon's first home run of the season.
LHP Dan Camarena put together a quality start for Tampa. The mid-season all star allowed two runs on five hits and a walk, tallying a season-high 10 strikeouts in six innings of work.
The Flying Tigers took a lead in the fourth. Curt Powell led off the frame with a game-tying home run to left field. Lance Durham later doubled and scored on a triple by Conner Harrell, giving Lakeland a 2-1 lead.
RHP Jaron Long (1-2) relieved Camarena in the seventh and retired all nine batters he faced over three innings, including striking out the side in the eighth. Long tallied four strikeouts on his way to his first win as a Tampa Yankee.
Tampa managed to tally nine hits against Eichhorn, but the Lakeland starter held the Yankees to one run in six innings pitched. The righty walked two batters and struck out five.
Calderon reached base all four times, going 3-for-3 with a home run, two doubles and a walk. Bird went 3-for-5 with a double and an RBI. Aaron Judge collected two hits in his Tampa Yankees debut, going 2-for-4.
The short two-game series concludes in Lakeland on Friday as the teams play a 7:11 p.m. game at Joker Marchant Stadium. LHP Josh Turley (5-0, 2.08 ERA) is set to toss for the Flying Tigers. The starter for the Yankees is TBA.
The T-Yanks return home for a 6:00 p.m. game on Saturday against the Daytona Cubs for Parrot Head Night at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The first 250 fans will receive a pair of TY sunglasses. Fans who wear a Hawaiian shirt get free admission. Fans can enjoy half price specials on drinks and cheeseburgers. A fireworks show will follow the end of the game. Gates open at 5:00 p.m.
Florida State League Stories from June 19, 2014
- 'Cards Fly Past Stone Crabs 6-1 - Charlotte Stone Crabs
- Brevard Drops Second-Half Opener to Cubs, 7-4 - Brevard County Manatees
- T-Yanks Rally for 3-2 Walk-Off in 2nd Half Opener - Tampa Yankees
- Sharks Shut Out in Second Straight Game - Jupiter Hammerheads
- Mets Knock off the Miracle, 7-4 - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Florida State League Cngratulates First Half Winners - FSL1
- 2013 First Round Draft Pick Aaron Judge to Join TY Roster - Tampa Yankees
- OTown Concert at Bright House Field on August 15 - Clearwater Threshers
- Phillies 2013 #1 Draft Pick J.P. Crawford Promoted to Clearwater - Clearwater Threshers
- Stefan Stellar in Threshers Win - Clearwater Threshers
- Flying Tigers Return Home Tomorrow for BB Card Giveaway and Teacher - 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.
