Tampa Holds off Charlotte in 6-4 Win
July 15, 2015 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Tampa Yankees News Release
TAMPA - The Tampa Yankees (10-9, 43-45) scored six runs on 12 hits and held off a late rally by the Charlotte Stone Crabs (7-13, 52-38) to win, 6-4, in the series opener on Wednesday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Gabriel Encinas (2-3) followed up his shortest outing of his career (0.2 IP on Friday) with a quality start against Charlotte. The right-hander held the Stone Crabs to one run on two hits in seven innings, walking one while tallying six strikeouts.
OF Carlos Beltran joined the Tampa Yankees on Wednesday to begin a rehab assignment as the starting designated hitter, batting third. The 38-year-old went 2-for-2 with two singles, a walk, an RBI and two runs scored. Beltran is currently on the New York Yankees' 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique.
The T-Yanks took an early lead against RHP Taylor Guerrieri in the first. Beltran drew a two-out walk and advanced to second on a single by Dustin Fowler. On a 3-2 pitch, Mike Ford singled into right, scoring Beltran and giving Tampa a 1-0 lead.
Leading off the third, Beltran lined a first-pitch single into right field. After moving to second on a wild pitch, Beltran advanced to third on a groundout by Fowler. A sacrifice fly by Ford added to the Yankee lead.
Abiatal Avelino drew a two-out walk in the fourth and advanced to second on an errant pick-off throw by Guerrieri. A base hit to left by Beltran gave the T-Yanks a 3-0 advantage.
Guerrieri (1-2) surrendered three runs (two earned) on five hits in three and a third innings, walking four batters.
Marty Gantt put the Stone Crabs on the board with a leadoff solo home run in the fifth. It was only the second homer allowed by Encinas all season.
Tampa promptly responded with three runs in the home half. Ford hit leadoff single and moved to second on a wild pitch. A deep fly out allowed Ford to tag to third. Jake Skole drew a walk and Kyle Higashioka singled into left, scoring Ford. Skole then took off for third and an errant throw by catcher Armando Araiza allowed him to score and Higashioka to reach third. One out later, Tyler Wade laid down a bunt during a "suicide squeeze," allowing Higashioka to score while beating out the throw to first.
Charlotte brought the tying run to the plate against RHP Luis Niebla in the ninth. With a run home and two on the corners, Jace Conrad grounded a ball to third and reached on an errant catch at first by Ford. RHP Alex Smith entered and stuck out Gantt for the second out. Araiza then lined a ball off Smith's back for an RBI single. Smith remained in the game and got Yoel Araujo to ground out to end the game.
Alex Smith earned his seventh save. RHP Chris Smith worked around a single in the eight to retire the side on five pitches. Ford (3-for-4, R) picked up two RBI. Higashioka (2-for-4, RBI, R) hit his ninth double of the year.
The series continues on Thursday when RHP Cale Coshow (4-2, 2.49 ERA) faces RHP German Marquez (4-8, 3.36 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
On Throwback Thursday, fans can get $2 reserved tickets & $1 general admission tickets. 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.
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