September 7, 2016
Florida State League 2016
North Division Championship Series
Florida Auto Exchange Stadium
Dunedin, Florida
By Raquel Julich/Tampa Yankees
While the Wild Card hunting New York Yankees (72W-65L) and Toronto Blue Jays (77W-61L) played at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx on Tuesday, September 6th, the Tampa Yankees were playing in the best-of-three semifinals vs. the Dunedin Blue Jays.
If it was a thriller in The Bronx, it was an even bigger 13 innings thrill in Dunedin for the Tampa Yankees.
The Tampa Yankees (41W-25L) clinched the Florida State League First-Half North Division season on June 17th, with a marathan win vs. the Lakeland Flying Tigers (33W-32) at Historic Henley Field. The game was an 18 innings, 3-2 game-win by an RBI single of Abiatal Avelino.
Infielder Abiatal Avelino native of the Dominican Republic started the second half of the season showcasing his talent at Eastern League Yankees Double AA Trenton Thunder. While benefiting from player development advancement within the Minor Leagues, Abiatal Avelino will not play in the Tampa Yankees playoff series.
Hurricane Hermine resulted in four game cancellations and one postponement in Tampa, after the storn, the Lakeland Flying Tigers took revenge by sweeping Tampa in a doubleheader to close the Regular Season.
Yet, the Tampa Yankees were prepared to raise to the occasion with the playoff berth, the first since 2010 when they defeated the Charlotte Stone Crabs, to win the FSL Championship three games to one.
Bring on the tough Dunedin Blue Jays.
Class A Advanced Tampa Yankees Manager Patrick Osborn had several tough decisions to make when filling out his lineup care on Tuesday for the first game of the North Division series.
Adding to Tampa Yankees challenge, with renovations underway at Steinbrenner Field, the three game series will be played in Dunedin.
On the mound during first game Tampa Yankees, native of the Dominican Republic, RHP Yefrey Ramirez (3W-7L, 2.84 ERA). Yefrey Ramirez, twice FSL pitcher of the week (8/22-28 and 6/27-7/3).
The Dunedin Blue Jays started, 25-year old from the Dominican Republic, Luis Santos (4W-1L, 3.40 ERA).
Tampa Yankees starter Yefrey Ramirez pitched 7.0 innings and was credited with the five hits by Dunedin. The one run by Dunedin was also charged to Ramirez. Tampa used five pitchers in the game. Dillon McNamara earned Save #1 during the playoff game.. He notched 14 Saves during the regular season.
Dunedin starter Luis Santos pitched 8.0 innings, gave up four hits. He struck out 10 Tampa batters and he was charged with one earned run. The loss went to Dunedin third pitcher of the game Chris Rowley.
There was a pivotal play in the game for Dunedin. In the bottom of the 7th inning Ryan McBroom walked. With the next batter Max Pentecost at the plate McBroom attempted to steal second and got caught stealing. Pentecost then connected with a double, which would have scored McBroom and perhaps the game winning run. During the game, it was the third unsuccessful attempt to steal by Dunedin against Tampa catcher Wes Wilson.
The Yankees’ second-ranked prospect Venezuelan, SS Gleyber Torres doubled in the first inning and finished his at bats with a double in the 13th inning. The double moved the batter Thairo Estrada from first base to third to eventually score the winning run. Tampa 2 – Blue Jays 1.
Tampa Yankees win the first of three games in the FSL North Division Championship Series.
“They really, really competed. That was a difficult game,” Osborn said. “There were moments where we thought we were going to do it and ended in heartbreak and they kept rolling out there every inning. To be able to stay focused for 13 innings and complete and keep your composure. I think it says a lot about the guys in the clubhouse. There’s a lot of heart, a lot of character.”
Osborn said of Torres, “He’s something else. He’s just a really, really talented kid. “You look at the box score, he’s 2-for-5 with two doubles, but he made some plays tonight in the field that kept the game tied. He’s got a chance to be one special player and I’m glad he’s on our side.”
After spending his first 2-1/2 seasons in the Cubs system, Torres was traded to the Yankees in July as part of the deal for Cuban pitcher, Aroldis Chapman. In 31 games Torres batted .254 with 10 extra-base hits and 19 RBIs.
“It’s been great. Anytime you get to watch a 19-year old kid that’s that talented, it’s a lot of fun. Osborn continued. He’s a joy to have around. He likes to have a good time, he enjoys playing the game. He hasn’t missed a beat since he came over.”
A happy Manager makes for a happy winning team. In completion of the regular season, Tampa Yankees Pat Osborn was named 2016 Florida State League Manager of the Year.
Stay tuned.
This story was not subject to the approval of he National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.