T-Yanks’ bats explode in 12-7 win over Tortugas

The Tampa Yankees have had some late rallies as of late that have helped secure some tight wins, Friday night however was a different situation as they took on the Daytona Tortugas in the second game of the series. After taking an early 4-0 lead in the first, a third inning offensive push helped the T-Yanks beat the Tortugas 12-7 and secure the series win.

LHP Conner Kendrick (ERA 14.63) took the hill for the Yanks and had an easy 1-2-3 first inning. the bottom of the first was a mess for Daytona but yet very profitable for the T-Yanks. Mark Payton was hit by a pitch to start the inning and after a wild pitch by Daytona’s Nick Howard (ERA 3.75) would advance to 2nd. With bases loaded, Kyle Higashioka would walk and Payton would score. A three run double by Ericson Leonora then helped put the Yanks up 4-0.

The Tortugas would tack one on in the top of the 2nd and then four more in the top of the 4th as Kendrick began to struggle. Unable to get a third out in the fifth inning, Kendrick would go just 4 2/3 inning allowing 7 hits and 6 runs; striking out 4. Andrew Bailey (ERA 4.15) got the T-Yanks out of the 5th inning and would earn the win (2-0). Chad Taylor (ERA 3.00) then pitched the next four innings of just 1 hit, 1 run ball; striking out 2 batters.

Stats:
Mark Payton:1 for 3; 3 R; RBI
Tyler Wade: 1 for 3; RBI
Miguel Andujar: 1 for 5; 2 R; 2 RBIs
Matt Snyder: 1 for 4; RBI
Mike Ford: 1 for 2; 2 R; RBI
Kyle Higashioka: 1 for 3; RBI
Ericson Leonora: 2 for 4; DBL; 3 RBIs
Angelo Gumbs: 1 for 4; RBI

Next Game:
The Tampa Yankees will take on the Daytona Tortugas in the third and final game of the series on Saturday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field.