Yankees fall short against ValleyCats, 5-2

After sweeping the Connecticut Tigers earlier in the week, the Staten Island Yankees (30-30) had their four-game win streak snapped against the reigning New York-Penn League Champion Tri-City ValleyCats (41-20), 5-2.

Rehabbing Houston Astros outfielder Alex Presley kick-started the ValleyCats' offense in the first inning with a leadoff double, then scored when Jamie Ritchie grounded out to shortstop to plate the first run of the game.

Tri-City struck again in the second inning. The ValleyCats' Ariel Ovando drew a walk from Staten Island starter Jordan Montgomery to get the wheels going for Tri-City's offense. Alex Hernandez then reached on a Renzo Martini throwing error. Staten Island went to the bullpen in the middle of the inning to put Jordan Foley (L, 0-2) on the mound. Tri-City took advantage of the pitching change as Presley drew a walk, then Ovando scored on a passed ball by Luis Torrens to make the score 2-0 in favor of Tri-City.

The Baby Bombers answered right back in the bottom half of the inning as Austin Aune smashed a double to center field to begin the inning. Torrens followed Aune's double with one of his own to get Staten Island on the board. Martini then brought home Torrens with a single up the middle to tie the ball game.

Tri-City regained control of the game in the fifth inning as Derek Fisher hit a double to left field followed by a single off the bat of Terrell Joyce. Fisher and Joyce both scored in the inning as Mott Hyde hit a double to left field to give the ValleyCats a 4-2 lead.

The ValleyCats got an insurance run in the eighth inning as all-star catcher Jamie Ritchie hit a triple, then scored on another passed ball by Luis Torrens.

The two teams face off again Saturday night for Staten Island University Hospital's Breast Health Awareness Night, featuring free pink pinstriped jerseys for the first 2,500 fans and post-game fireworks.