Tampa Beats Fort Myers in Opener, 6-2

July 22, 2015 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Tampa Yankees News Release


TAMPA - The Tampa Yankees (13-13, 47-49) produced a pair of three-run innings to defeat the Fort Myers Miracle (15-12, 53-43), 6-2, in the series opener on Wednesday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

The Yankees jumped out to an early lead with a two-out rally against RHP Ryan Eades in the first. Dustin Fowler singled to center, Mike Ford walked and Dante Bichette Jr. crushed a two-run double to the wall in right-center. An infield single to shortstop by Miguel Andujar placed runners on the corners before Jake Skole lined an RBI single into center, giving Tampa a 3-0 lead.

Cale Coshow got the start for the T-Yanks and pitched four and two-third innings. The right-hander allowed two runs on five hits, walking a pair while striking out five.

Fort Myers battled back. Logan Wade hit a leadoff single in the third and, one out later, advanced to third on a double by Engelb Vielma. A sacrifice fly by Ryan Walker drove in Wade. In the fourth, Jason Kanzler tripled down the right field line and scored as a high relay throw by Tyler Wade flew out of play, cutting the deficit to 3-2.

Tampa doubled its runs with a second outburst in the sixth. Ford walked and advanced to third on a single to right by Bichette. Andujar and Skole followed with consecutive RBI singles and Kyle Higashioka scored Andujar with a groundout, giving the Yankees a 6-2 cushion.

Giovanny Gallegos (3-1) relieved Coshow with two outs in the fifth and retired the first eight batters he faced before allowing a pair of one-out singles in the eighth. Alex Smith entered and restored order, getting Kanzler to ground into a double play.

Smith worked around a single in the ninth and stuck out two in a scoreless frame, earning his ninth save of the season.

Bichette (2-for-4, 2B) tallied two RBI and two runs scored. Skole went 2-for-4 with two RBI. Ford (1-for-2, 2 BB, 2 R) reached base three times. Andujar (2-for-4, RBI, R) is batting .343 in his last 10 games.

The series continues on Thursday with LHP Jordan Montgomery (3-4, 3.40 ERA) facing off against LHP Matt Batts (4-2, 1.66 ERA). First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m.

On Throwback Thursdays, fans will receive $2 reserved tickets & $1 general admission tickets. Also, 14 oz. Draft Beer for $2 and $1 SM Soda from 6-8pm. Silver Slugger Members get free admission. The Throwback Tickets can only be purchased at the Steinbrenner Field box office.



Florida State League Stories from July 22, 2015


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