T-Yanks Strike in 8th for Three, Take 3-0 Win

TAMPA, FL - RHP Yefrey Ramirez (W, 3-6) faced took a perfect game to the seventh and a no hitter to the eighth against the Dunedin Blue Jays (38-21) in the Tampa Yankees (32-27) 3-0 win on Wednesday night. Ramirez faced the minimum 24 batters over his eight frames, striking out eight Jays.

The first hit of the game did not come until the bottom of the fifth when CF Jeff Hendrix recorded a two-out infield single off of RHP Justin Shafer. The Jays' starter impressed in a no decision, allowing three hits over six scoreless frames.

Shafer was outdueled by Ramirez who had not allowed a baserunner until he hit 3B Dickie Joe Thon in the seventh inning with one out. Thon was caught stealing to end the inning. With the no-hitter still intact headed to the eighth, 1B Ryan McBroom dribbled a single down the third base line to record Dunedin's first hit. A double play off the bat of RF Jonathan Davis kept Ramirez facing the minimum.

In the bottom of the eighth, Tampa put the first runs on the board against reliever RHP Francisco Rios (L, 5-6). After 3B Thairo Estrada led off with a single, SS Gleyber Torres tripled to the wall in right center, giving Tampa a 1-0 lead. Rios retired the next two batters with Torres at third, but LHP Jose Fernandez surrendered a pair of singles as soon as he entered the game, providing the 3-0 final score. RHP Dillon McNamara (S, 12) shut the door in the ninth.

The two teams will partake in a rubber match, the final game of the year in Tampa for Dunedin. RHP Jon Harris duels with LHP Nestor Cortes.