Gilliam Leads Yankees to Game Two Win

PULASKI, Virginia - Continuing his recent hot streak, Isiah Gilliam helped the Pulaski Yankees (15-17) to a 7-0 win over the Elizabethton Twins (15-17) Tuesday night at Calfee Park. Gilliam had a terrific night for the Yankees as he went 4-for-4 and was just a triple shy of hitting for the cycle. Pulaski starter Juan Jimenez (1-2) picked up his first win of the season while pitching 5.1 innings, giving up no runs, and striking out six. For Elizabethton, starter Domenick Carlini (1-5) got the loss while tossing five innings and giving up three runs on seven hits.

     The Yankees wasted no time getting runs on the board. Newly promoted shortstop Oswaldo Cabrera singled to left field in the bottom of the first inning before being advanced to third on a double by Gilliam. Both runners were driven home in the next at bat on an RBI double by DH Brian Reyes.

     When Gilliam stepped up to the plate in the fifth inning, he continued his night with a home run to left field that put the Yankees up 3-0. He had singled in the third inning, leaving him just a triple away from hitting for the cycle.

     Andy Diaz made his return to the lineup for Pulaski after being hit in the face by a pitch in the third game of the season. Diaz struck out in his first three at bats before hitting a grand slam in the bottom of the eighth to extend the Yankees lead to seven.

     Gilliam has reached base safely in the last six games now, including at least one hit in five of the last six games. Gilliam also has two home runs and six RBIs in that span.

     Oswaldo Cabrera made his debut for the Pulaski Yankees after spending most of this season in the Dominican Summer League and the Gulf Coast League. He went 1-for-4 on the night and scored one run.

     The Yankees have one more game against Elizabethton before traveling to Burlington to take on the Royals. They currently sit in last place of the Appalachian League East, but have won four of their last five games.