Late Inning Push Gives Mets 3-2 Victory

Kingsport, TN - The Pulaski Yankees suffered their first loss of the year when they scored the first run of the game as Kingsport used a late rally to upend the Yankees 3-2 in game two of the three game series.

Pulaski was once again backed by stellar starting pitching as Ken Waldichuk delivered another hitless three-inning performance, his third such outing in his first six appearances as a pro. Waldichuk struck out five batters in his three innings and has now struck out 26 batters in his 16.2 innings of work while only walking two batters.
The Yankees were able to produce runners throughout the first five innings as they managed six hits but couldn't capitalize, as the game remained scoreless through five innings of play. Pulaski finally broke through in the top of the sixth inning when Borinquen Mendez hit a double with one out and was able to advance to third on the throwing error by the Kingsport left fielder. Jake Farrell scored Mendez on a ground ball to give the Yanks a 1-0 lead.
Ryan Anderson replaced Waldichuk after his scheduled three innings and pitched well in relief as he gave up just one hit while also striking out four Mets hitters. However, the Mets were able to tie the game up in the bottom of the sixth. After giving up a single to right field, the runner stole second. Anderson gave up a walk to the next batter before the Yankees called on Nelson L. Alvarez out of the bullpen. He gave up a single to the first batter he faced and the Mets tied the game up at 1-1.
Pulaski answered right back in the top of the seventh when Anthony Volpe hit a double to center field for his first three-hit game as a professional. He came around to score a couple batters later on a Chad Bell RBI single to put the Yanks back in the lead. Saul Torres added another single to give the Yankees a pair of runners on with two outs before a strikeout ended the inning.
Kingsport wouldn't go away easily as they led off their half of the inning with a single of their own off Alvarez. The runner stole second base to give the put the tying run in scoring position with no outs. Another single scored the run as Madison Santos threw the runner out at second base as he tried to advance. After the Yankees went down in order in the top of the eighth, the Mets took the lead in the bottom of the eighth.
Kenlly Montas replaced Alvarez on the mound and he found himself in some early trouble. He gave up a lead off single and then a walk. A ground out gave the Yankees the first out of the inning but allowed the lead runner to make his way to third base. A sacrifice fly scored the runner and gave the Mets a 3-2 lead.
The Yankees went down in order in the ninth as the Mets held on to complete their comeback and even the series at a game apiece. Altogether the Yankees left 10 runners stranded including leaving the bases loaded in the first inning with one out and once again leaving a runner stranded at third as Volpe made it within 90 feet of home in the top of the third inning with two outs. Coming into the game Pulaski was 19-0 on the year when they scored the first run of the game.
The Yankees will look to bounce back and win the series tomorrow as they conclude their six game road trip with the rubber match against the Mets as first pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
The Pulaski Yankees are the Advanced Rookie level affiliate of the New York Yankees playing in the Appalachian League. Pulaski is celebrating its 54th season in the Appalachian League in 2019. Calfee Park has won league championships in 1948, 1969, 1986, 1991 and 2013. Motor Mile Field at Calfee Park opened in 1935 and was renovated for the team's first season as a Yankees affiliate in 2015. For more information, please visit www.pulaskiyankees.net or follow the Pulaski Yankees on social media, @PulaskiYanks (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram). This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.