The Tampa Yankees were at Bright House Field on Tuesday night as RHP Jaron Long (ERA 3.38) took the mound and earned the 4-3 win over the Clearwater Threshers.
The Yanks were able to get on the board early on as Greg Bird hit a RBI single to send Jake Cave home. In the top of the third Tampa would increase their lead to four runs as Matt Snyder hits a three run homer on a fly ball to right.
In the bottom of the fourth Long allowed the Threshers first run of the game scored by KC Serna. In the bottom of the sixth, Long allowed back to back doubles which allowed another Clearwater run.
After 5 2/3 innings, Long allowed 5 hits and 2 runs; striking out 5 and walking just 1; a much better outing for the righty. RHP Chris Smith (ERA 5.06) then closed out the sixth and pitched the seventh with no hits or runs allowed; striking out 3 of the 4 batters he faced. It was then RHP Cesar Vargas (ERA 2.61) who pitched the eighth and ninth innings allowing one more run by Clearwater and striking out 3.
With a final score of 4-3; Long improves to (2-2), Smith earned the hold (H,1) and Vargas the save (S,2).
The Tampa Yankees will take on the Clearwater Threshers at 12:00pm at Bright House Field with newcomer RHP Luis Severino (ERA 5.79, 0-1) taking the mound. Severino was selected to play in the 2014 MLB All-Star Future’s Game.
