Tampa's Bite is as Good as Their Bark with 5-3 Win
Tampa struck first in the bottom of the second when Zach Wilson got a two out single and scored on a Jose Mojica double. They added one more run in the bottom of the third when Rob Segedin hit a Sacrifice fly to bring home Ramon Flores and put the Yankees up 2-0.
The Manatees answered back with one run in the top of the fifth when Parker Berberet was on third and T.J Mitelstaedt grounded out. The T-Yanks answered right back in the bottom half of the inning. JR Murphy led off the inning with a double, Segedin singled to put runners on the corners, and Kyle Roller hit a Sacrifice fly to put the lead back at two, 3-1.
Brevard County fought back in the seventh and was able to tie the game. A lead-off double from Cody Hawn followed by a single from Berberet cut the Yankees lead to one. A double by Reggie Keen and a walk to Mittelstaedt would load the bases. A wild pitch would allow one run to score to even the game at three a piece.
Tampa was able to take the lead for good in the bottom of the eighth. A fielding error would allow Jose Toussen to reach first and a double from Jose Mojica put runners on second and third. Murphy delivered a clutch two out ground rule double to score both runners. A 5-3 lead is all relief pitcher Tom Kahnle, who entered the game in the eighth, would need as he closed the door with a one, two, three ninth.
The Tampa Yankees start a three game series Sunday, July 1st against the Dunedin Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. It's Humana Silver Sluggers Day and senior citizens ages 55+ get a free hot dog, popcorn, and soda with the purchase of a reserved ticket ($5).