Tampa Falls to Dunedin in Opener, 8-5
August 23, 2015 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Tampa Yankees News Release
TAMPA - Despite outhitting the opposition, the Tampa Yankees (27-30, 61-66) dropped the series opener against the Dunedin Blue Jays (23-32, 55-70-1), 8-5, on Sunday afternoon at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
RHP Vicente Campos held the Blue Jays hitless through the first three innings until Dunedin sparked a two-out rally in the fourth. With Ian Parmley on third, Matt Dean hit an RBI single to center. Derek Loveless followed with a two-run home run into the Walgreens Deck in right for a 3-0 lead.
Dunedin scored another two-out run off Campos in the fifth. Boomer Collins and Mike Reeves each singled to begin the frame. Two outs later, L.B. Dantzler hit an RBI double.
Campos (3-6) allowed four runs on seven hits in four and two-third innings, walking two while striking out one.
Tampa cut the deficit in half with a pair of runs off LHP Griffin Murphy (1-0) in the fifth. Jorge Mateo singled and advanced on a wild pitch. Abiatal Avelino walked and, with Dustin Fowler at the plate, took off for second as Mateo swiped third. An errant throw to second allowed Mateo to cross the plate. Avelino then stole third and scored on a groundout by Fowler.
A 4-2 scored held until Dunedin added insurance in the eighth. LHP Conner Kendrick retired seven of the first eight batters he faced before a pair of walks and a double loaded the bases for the Blue Jays. RHP Manolo Reyes entered and allowed a three-run double by Jason Leblebijian, giving Dunedin a 7-2 lead.
Dunedin reloaded the bases against Reyes with two outs in the ninth. Leblebijian added an RBI infield single for a six run lead.
The Yankees rallied against RHP Brady Dragmire in the ninth. Michael O'Neill singled and scored on a double by Angelo Gumbs. One out later, a single to right by Avelino placed runners on the corners. Gumbs scored on a groundout to first by Fowler and Avelino crossed the plate on a single to left by Miguel Andujar.
RHP Wil Browning entered for his 20th save and Kyle Higashioka hit a fly ball to left for the final out.
Andujar (2-for-5, RBI) is now on a 14-game hit streak. Higashioka (2-for-5, 2B) is batting .357 in his last 10 games. Avelino (1-for-3, 2 BB, 2 SB, 2 R) leads Tampa with 34 stolen bases. Mateo (2-for-5, SB, R), Dan Fiorito (2-for-4, 2B), O'Neill (1-for-3, BB, R) and Gumbs (2-for-4, 2B, RBI, R) reached base two times apiece.
The series continues on Monday when LHP Dietrich Enns (0-1, 1.15 ERA) faces RHP Derek Blacksher (0-1, 3.60 ERA). First pitch is at 12:00 p.m. All military receive FREE admission with valid military I.D. as part of Uncle Bob's Military Monday. All fans can enjoy half price burgers & chicken tender baskets from 6-8pm. The Free military ticket can only be received at the Steinbrenner Field box office.
Florida State League Stories from August 23, 2015
- Walks Hurt Marauders in 5-2 Setback - Bradenton Marauders
- Taylor, Mets Shut out Stone Crabs 1-0 - St. Lucie Mets
- Tampa Falls to Dunedin in Opener, 8-5 - Tampa Yankees
- Leblebijian Drives in Four to Lift Jays over Yankees - Dunedin Blue Jays
- Pullin Pounds Two Homers in 10-6 Win - Clearwater Threshers
- Three-Run Eighth Inning Dooms Daytona Saturday - Daytona Tortugas
- O'Grady Homers, Drives in Three in Loss Sunday - Daytona Tortugas
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