Yankees Lose Heartbreaker in Extras as Threshers Rally, 9-7
Published on August 27, 2014 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Tampa Yankees News Release
TAMPA - A playoff push became a lot tougher for the Tampa Yankees (36-29) as the Clearwater Threshers (29-37) came from behind to win 9-7 in 11 innings on Wednesday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The loss snaps a six-game win streak and places Tampa three games back of first place with four games left.
The Yankees took a 7-4 lead into the ninth inning and brought out RHP Alex Smith for the save. With two on and one out, Art Charles hit an RBI double off the wall in right before Anthony Phillips entered has a pinch runner. Chris Serritella followed with a sacrifice fly into right. With two outs, Brandon Short delivered a game-tying single into center.
A 7-7 tie remained into the 11th inning before Clearwater took a lead against RHP Philip Walby (0-1). A single and a walk began the frame and a sacrifice bunt moved the runners into scoring position. One out later, Short proved to be the hero for Clearwater again as he shot a two-run single into left-center field.
The Yankees brought the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the 11th after a leadoff double by Cito Culver. RHP Ulises Joaquin (2-2) then retired the next three batters to earn the win. Joaquin pitched three scoreless frames, scattering two hits and a walk while striking out four.
Brett Gerritse got the start for Tampa and had a rocky first inning, hitting two batters. Clearwater took an early lead with an RBI infield single by Serritella.
Tampa took its first lead as Culver and Eric Jagielo hit back-to-back home runs in the third. Following a walk by Mark Payton, Culver lined a ball over the wall in left. Jagielo then hit his 16th home run of the season into the Walgreens Deck.
Clearwater scored two unearned runs in the fourth to tie the game. An error by Culver allowed the leadoff batter to reach. Herlis Rodriguez later delivered an RBI single. Another run would score on an errant throw by Trent Garrison.
The Yankees regained the lead with three more runs in the fifth. Reymond Nunez began the frame with a double and advanced on a single by Culver. Jagielo then doubled home Nunez. The Threshers intentionally walked Aaron Judge and, one out later, Jose Rosario drove in a pair with an infield single towards shortstop.
Both teams scored a run in the seventh. Charles provided an RBI single off Kyle Haynes. Tampa responded as Garrison singled home Judge with two outs against Ethan Stewart.
Culver went 4-for-6 with a home run, two doubles, two RBI and two runs scored. Judge reached base four times, going 2-for-3 with two walks. Jagielo scored twice and drove in a pair in a 2-for-6 effort.
The series wraps up on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in Clearwater at Bright House Field. RHP Taylor Garrison (0-0, 2.25 ERA) it set to start for the Yankees as RHP Colin Kleven (6-9, 4.55 ERA) counters for the Threshers. In order to make the FSL playoffs, the Tampa Yankees need to win the final four games of the season.
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