April 5, 2012

George M. Steinbrenner Field
Tampa, Florida
Florida State League
2012 – Minor League Baseball Opening Game

Detroit Tigers
Lakeland Flying Tigers (A), David Huppert, Mgr.
vs.
New York Yankees
Tampa Yankees (A), Luis Sojo, Mgr.

Yesterday, April 4^th, during the final game of Spring Training, GMS Field was bursting at the seams with New York Mets and New York Yankees players, fans and vendors.  Today, the teams have departed to start the Major League Baseball season at their respective season game opening sites.

Today, it’s a different show.at GMS Field.  It’s a subdued environment.  There is a fair amount of fans in the seats and if you want a hot dog and a cold drink, you need to find an open concession stand

On my way to the Yankees Press Box, I ride up on the elevator with 3 Tigers players looking for food.  I ask them why.  One of the players replies “there is no food in the clubhouse, this is the minors”.

Major League Baseball Spring Training is over in Florida – it is now the start of the Minor League Baseball season, April to September.

LHP, 23 yrs. old, Nik Turley is the opening pitcher for Tampa.
LHP, 22 yrs. old, Alex Burgos pitching for Lakeland.

The average age is 22 yrs. old for the Lakeland/Tampa pitchers on the 2012 Official Roster.

The two teams appear to be matched competitively on the field and after 5 innings of play, Lakeland Flying Tigers 2R – 4H, Tampa Yankees 2R – 4H.

At the top of the 6^th inning – Tampa changes pitchers.  Vidal Nuno replaces Nik Turley after 5 IP – 4H – 2R – 2BB – 9SO.  Turley threw an estimated 78 pitches 37 strikes.

Tampa LHP Vidal Nuno allows 4 hits – 2 runs score.  Lakeland 4 – Tampa 2.

Remember fans, this is “A” ball, player development, so it’s not o much who wins the game but how the game is played.

The Tampa bullpen did not pitch effectively and Lakeland loaded the bases during the 6^th & 8^th innings.  Lakeland scored 6 runs in the two innings of play.

Lakeland outhit the Tampa team 14 hits to 6

Lakeland Flying Tigers
LF Tyler Collins – 3 hits – 2 Runs
RF Avisail Garcia – 3 hits – 2 Runs
CF Daniel Fields, C James McCann, SS Dixon Machado each had 2 RBIs

Tampa Yankees
LHP Nik Turley 5 IP – 4 H – 2 R – 2 BB – 9 SO

Final Score::Lakeland Flying Tigers 8, Tampa Yankees 5
WP – Alex Burgos (1-0)
LP – Manuel Barreda (0-1)
Time: 2:41
Attendance:  A happy mix of loyal Lakeland/Tampa fans