T-Yanks Snap Losing Streak With 4-2 Win

Tampa, Fla. - The Tampa Yankees (30-23) ended their five game losing streak tonight and remained in first place, beating the Clearwater Threshers (27-25) 4-2 in the series finale. Jose Ramirez (6-6, 3.49 ERA) got the start on the mound for Tampa and Perci Garner (5-9, 5.01 ERA) took the ball for the Threshers.

Tampa wanted to set the tone of the game right away and put up three runs in their first at bat. Ramon Flores led off with a walk and four consecutive singles from Slade Heathcott, Tyler Austin, Kyle Roller, and Gary Sanchez resulted in three quick runs for the T-Yanks.

Clearwater got on the board in the top of the third when Harold Martinez led off with a double and scored when Major League rehabber, Placido Polanco, singled. The Yankees answered back in the bottom of the fifth to increase the lead back to up to three. Heathcott led off with a walk and moved to second on an Austin single. Heathcott stole third and a wild throw from the catcher allowed him to score, giving the Yankees a 4-1 lead.

The Yankees pitching staff would only allow one run the rest of the way and the game would end 4-2 in Tampa's favor. Ramirez threw five strong innings, only allowed three hits, one run and recorded eight strikeouts. Caleb Cotham relieved Ramirez in the sixth inning and pitched two shutout innings, giving up one hit and striking out one. Branden Pinder came in to pitch the final two innings and earned his seventh save of the season.

The T-Yanks hit the road to Daytona for their next three games before coming back to Tampa on Tuesday, August 21st to take on the Dunedin Blue Jays. Tijuana Flats is sponsoring Latin Heritage and fans can enjoy Latin Food Samples from local area restaurants from 6-8:00pm. The first 250 fans will receive a TY hat.