The Tampa Yankees were looking for two things heading into their last game of a four-game set Monday in Charlotte. One was to find some hitting again as they’ve gone cold in the last three games, and another to give Ian Clarkin his first win of the season. They did both of those successfully as they salvaged one game to stay tied for the lead in the FSL North.
With Mike Ford out the Yankees were going to need offense from other sources. Today they got everything they have been missing while in Charlotte this past weekend. Ian Clarkin gave the Tampa Yankees five innings of two-run ball, the offense gave him run support, and the bullpen continued to be dominant.
Both teams got their offensive attack going early. In the top of the first Jorge Mateo walked and would steal second for his fifth steal of the season. After walks by Billy Fleming and Zack Zehner, Austin Aune drove in the first run of the game with an RBI single to the first baseman. Though it didn’t reach the outfield, with Mateo’s speed he was safe at home. Next with the bases loaded Mark Payton would draw a walk to bring in Billy Fleming making it 2-0.
On the other end, Ian Clarkin would hold Charlotte to two runs (one earned) in five innings striking out three. In the first a throwing error by Santiago Nessy would give the Stone Crabs a run. The earned run came in the second after a double by Cade Gotta, Jace Conrad hit a sharp grounder which was deflected by Clarkin, but wasn’t maintained. That’d be the last run the Stone Crabs got off of Clarkin and for the rest of the game.
Jacob Lindgren came in to start the sixth inning and would give the Yankees two hitless innings. In six innings this season Lindgren has yet to allow a hit and has still only allowed one earned run. After Eric Ruth and Daniel Camarena were called up to Trenton, Lindgren is sure to be on his way to Trenton or Scranton/Wilkes-Barre sometime next month when the weather heats up a little bit. That’s the only reason the Yankees could have to start him down in Tampa. It shows how much they like his arm and expect him back in the Bronx this season.
After Lindgren’s two hitless innings Matt Marsh would then come in and give the Yankees two more hitless inning, and himself a save. Marsh being another important part to this Tampa Yankees pen hasn’t allowed a run this season and has five strikeouts in five innings. The Tampa Yankees are definitely taking advantage of these arms while they’re here as the bullpen continues to be the strongest part of this team.
After losing three of four in Charlotte the Yankees head back to Tampa to start their first series of the season against the Dunedin Jays. Chance Adams will be on the mound who allowed just two hits and struck out seven in his last appearance. This is the first home game of a six-game stand against Dunedin and Daytona.
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