Tampa Drops Pitchers' Duel to in Extras, 2-0
TAMPA - The Tampa Yankees (1-3, 35-38) finished on the wrong side of a pitchers' duel as the St. Lucie Mets (3-2, 38-37) broke a scoreless tie in the 12th inning to win, 2-0, in extra innings on Monday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
RHP Gabriel Encinas pitched seven complete innings for the first time since 2012 as a member of the Staten Island Yankees. The California native scattered four hits and two walks while striking out six batters in a no-decision.
St. Lucie starter John Gant did a little better. The right-hander tossed eight shutout frames, allowing three hits and one walk while tallying 10 strikeouts.
Evan Rutckyj faced one batter over the minimum in a season-high four innings of relief. The southpaw allowed two hits and struck out six batters.
Ericson Leonora nearly gave Tampa the win in the 11th. Leonora hit a high fly ball to left field that appeared to be over the wall. However, St. Lucie left-fielder Stefan Sabol made a leaping catch to keep the game alive.
The Mets broke the tie in the top of the 12th against RHP Luis Niebla (0-3). Dominic Smith hit a broken-bat blooper into shallow right field and advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Jairo Perez. An intentional walk and a single loaded the bases. Colton Plaia singled into center, scoring Smith. Another run scored on a passed ball by Kyle Higashioka before Niebla struck out two batters to end the inning.
Mike Ford drew a walk against LHP Josh Smoker to bring the tying run to the plate for the Yankees. Smoker then struck out Leonora to end the game, earning his fifth save.
LHP Kyle Regnault (2-2) tallied two strikeouts in a perfect 11th to earn the win for the Mets.
New York Yankees' OF Jacoby Ellsbury (0-for-3) hit leadoff as the designated hitter and batted three times in the game with the T-Yanks as part of an MLB rehab assignment.
The series concludes on Tuesday when RHP Rookie Davis (5-4, 3.22 ERA) takes the hill for Tampa. RHP Rob Whalen (4-4, 3.19 ERA) is scheduled to pitch for St. Lucie. First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m.
On 2-for-1 Tuesday, fans can get 2 for 1 Tickets, Scooter Dogs, SM Popcorn, Peanuts, SM Sodas, Programs and Speed Pitch from 6-8pm. The 2 for 1 Tickets can only be purchased at the Steinbrenner Field box office.