Yankees Drop Opener to Tortugas, 7-4
Published on August 20, 2015 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Tampa Yankees News Release
Miguel Andujar of the Tampa Yankees
(Tampa Yankees, Credit: Mark LoMoglio)
TAMPA - An early 3-0 lead didn't last long for the Tampa Yankees (26-28, 60-64) as the Daytona Tortugas (33-19, 70-52) scored seven unanswered runs in an eventual 7-4 final on Thursday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
The night started off well for Gabriel Encinas. The right-hander struck out two in a 1-2-3 first and the offense provided early run support.
A two-out rally led to the lead for the T-Yanks. Dustin Fowler doubled down the left field line and scored on Mike Ford's single to center. Miguel Andujar crushed a two-run home run off the scoreboard behind the left field wall, giving Tampa a 3-0 lead.
The Tortugas wasted little time taking the lead against Encinas. Daniel Pigott hit a first pitch home run over the wall in left. A pair of walks and a single loaded the bases with no outs. Brian O'Grady drew a walk, forcing in a run. After a strikeout by Wendell Soto, Daytona took the lead with a two-run single by Ronald Bueno. After both runs scored, the inning ended on an 8-3-4-5-6 double play, with O'Grady and Bueno being tagged out at second base.
Encinas (2-5) did not surrender another run the rest of his five innings of work. The righty allowed four runs on four hits and tied a season-high with five walks while also tallying a season-high nine strikeouts. Encinas now has 101 strikeouts this year.
A 4-3 deficit remained until Daytona added insurance in the seventh. O'Grady hit a leadoff home run to right against LHP Conner Kendrick. One out later, Beuno singled and scored on a double by Jeff Gelalich. A groundout pushed the runner to third and Pigott singled home Gelalich, giving the Tortugas a 7-3 lead.
Tampa added a run in the eighth against LHP Nolan Becker. Abiatal Avelino beat out an infield single, advanced to second on an errant pickoff throw and to third via wild pitch. One out later, Ford collected his second RBI single of the night.
The Yankees brought the tying run to the plate in the ninth. Dan Fiorito doubled down the right field line on his 25th birthday. Michael O'Neill reached on an infield single. RHP Evan Mitchell got Jorge Mateo to groundout, earning his seventh save.
Mella (2-1) held Tampa to three runs on three hits in five and a third innings, walking three while striking out seven.
Ford (2-for-3, BB, 2 RBI) has reached base safely in 20 consecutive games. Andujar (1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, R) hit his seventh home run of the season and is on an 11-game hit streak.
The series continues on Friday when Jordan Montgomery (5-4, 3.13 ERA) matches up against RHP Nick Travieso (5-5, 2.63 ERA). First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m.
On Bill Currie Ford Social Media Friday, ALL social media fans/followers get $2 Admission. All fans enjoy 1/2 Price Drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic) and $10 All You Can Eat Chicken Wings from 6-8pm on the Walgreens Deck. The Social Media special can only be purchased at the Steinbrenner Field box office.
Images from this story
 Miguel Andujar of the Tampa Yankees (Mark LoMoglio) |
Florida State League Stories from August 20, 2015
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