Tigers Rally Back as Yanks Fall, 4-3
Published on May 13, 2014 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Tampa Yankees News Release
TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Yankees (16-18) fought back from an early deficit but couldn't hold off the Lakeland Flying Tigers (22-12) in a 4-3 final on Friday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Lakeland jumped out to an early lead in the first against Tampa starter Nick Goody.
Dixon Machado led off the game by doubling on the first pitch. He later scored on a two-out single by Lance Durham.
Goody pitched one inning in his second appearance since returning from Tommy John surgery. The righty allowed one run on two hits and a walk, picking up one strikeout.
Rafael De Paula took over for Goody in the second. The righty surrendered a run in the third. With a runner on first, Jeff McVaney hit an RBI double into the left field corner, giving Lakeland a 2-0 lead.
De Paula allowed one run on two hits and three walks, striking out three in four innings of work.
The Yankees responded with two runs in the bottom of the third. Cito Culver, Trent Garrison and Jake Cave each singled off of Flying Tigers' starter Yorfrank Lopez, loading the bases with no outs. Anderson Feliz drove in his first run of the season with a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Culver from third. One out later, Dante Bichette Jr. tied the game with an RBI single to right.
Tampa took a 3-2 lead in the fifth. Cave singled and reached third on a double by Greg Bird. With two outs, Lopez balked and Cave scored the go-ahead run from third.
Lopez pitched five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits and striking out four.
RHP Kyle Haynes (1-1) pitched a scoreless sixth before Lakeland scored twice in the seventh. Tyler Hanover drew a leadoff walk and advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Machado. Wright followed with an RBI single to center, tying the game. One out later, Wright stole second and Haynes walked Durham. Conner Harrell then scored Wright on a double to left field, giving the Flying Tigers a 4-3 lead.
Lakeland reliever Tyler Clark (2-0) pitched two scoreless innings in the sixth and seventh, earning the win. The righty yielded a hit and two walks, striking out four.
RHP Guido Knudson earned the save after retiring six of the seven batters he faced in the final two innings.
Cave led the Tampa offense, going 3-for-5 with a run scored. Bird collected two hits, including his first double of the year.
The series wraps up on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. on Bark at the Ballpark night at Steinbrenner Field, sponsored by Fuzzie Buddies, Urgent Pet Care of South Tampa, The New Barker and Bill Currie Ford.
RHP Miguel Sulbaran (0-0, 4.50 ERA) is expected to start for the Yankees. RHP Edgar De La Rosa will start for the Flying Tigers
The first 250 dogs in attendance will receive a TY dog toy. All dogs must have a ticket and the proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. A pre-game dog fair will begin at 3:30 p.m.
Saturday is also Friends and Family Night at George M. Steinbrenner Field, sponsored by Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo. For just $38, a family of four can enjoy a four-pack of reserved tickets, hot dogs, chips sodas and Tampa Yankees caps as well as two passes to Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo. Prior to the game, kids are welcome to run the bases from 5-5:15 p.m. and receive player autographs on the concourse from 5:10-5:30 p.m.
Florida State League Stories from May 13, 2014
- Brevard Doomed Again by Mistakes in 6-0 Loss - Brevard County Manatees
- Cards Hold off Jays in Wild Finish - Palm Beach Cardinals
- Berrios, Bullpen Blank Manatees, 6-0, in Shutout Win - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Yankees Stun Mets for 7-2 Victory - St. Lucie Mets
- Flying Tigers Return Home this Weekend with Fireworks Friday and Saturday - Lakeland Flying Tigers
- Yankees Drop Series as Tigers Take 5-3 Win - Tampa Yankees
- T-Yanks Take Opener in Comeback Win Over Tigers - Tampa Yankees
- Tigers Rally Back as Yanks Fall, 4-3 - Tampa Yankees
- Mets Rally, Hold off Yankees for 3-2 Win - St. Lucie Mets
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