Tampa Crushes Brevard County in 12-1 Win

Tampa, Fla. - The Tampa Yankees (9-9) batted around the order in both the second and third innings as they cruised to a 12-1 win over the Brevard County Manatees (10-8) on Monday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

After giving up an RBI double to Nick Ramirez in the first inning, Yankee's starter Shane Greene (2-1) settled down. The right-hander allowed one run during six innings, scattering seven hits while walking one and striking out seven.

The Yankees tied the game in the bottom of the first after a double by Saxon Butler drove in Rob Refsnyder.

Eduardo Sosa began the second inning rally by drawing a leadoff walk. After a single by Jose Toussen, Dan Fiorito stepped to the plate for his first professional at-bat. Fiorito hit an RBI single through the left side of the infield for his first hit as a Tampa Yankee. After Mason Williams reached on an error, Refsnyder delivered an RBI groundout. Butler later drove in Williams with a groundout to second to give Tampa a 5-1 lead.

Brevard County starting pitcher David Goforth (1-2) lasted only an inning and two-thirds while allowing five runs (two earned) on four hits and two walks while striking out one.  

Tampa's momentum continued into the third. Manatee's reliever Matt Miller loaded the bases after hitting Toussen, allowing a single by Fiorito and walking Williams. Toussen came in to score after Refsnyder was hit on the left hip. Andreson Feliz then singled to score Fiorito and Williams. After a walk by Butler, Fu-Lin Kuo hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Refsnyder. Francisco Arcia then singled to score Feliz. After a walk by Sosa, Brevard County brought in Tyler Cravy to replace Miller. After Toussen drove in Butler with a groundout, Cravy got Fiorito to groundout to end the rally with the Yankees leading 11-1.

Yankee relievers Sean Black and Rigoberto Arrebato combined to throw three shutout innings while allowing one hit.

The Yankees tacked on one more run in the sixth when an RBI double by Refsnyder drove in Williams to make it 12-1.

The Manatee's pitching staff combined to walk 11 Yankee batters while the defense committed four errors.

The series wraps up on Tuesday when the Yankees host the Manatees at 7pm. RHP Mikey O'Brien is scheduled to start for Tampa. Fans can enjoy Tijuana Flats 2 for Tuesday with "2-for-1" deals on tickets, programs, speed pitch and select concession items.