Baby Bomber Recap 7/19/16: Kyle Higashioka hits game-winning home run in Thunder victory

Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders: L 3-4 vs. Charlotte Knights

The RailRiders snatched defeat out of the jaws of victory last night after a great performance from a pitching staff that had to fill in for Chad Green, who was scratched just prior to the game. Tyler Webb allowed one run on three hits and a walk over 3.2 innings, managing to strike out four batters. Diego Moreno only allowed one unearned run on one hit and one walk while striking out four in 3.2 innings, and Giovanny Gallegos struck out two in one inning.

Up by one run, the team turned to former big leaguer Kirby Yates to shut down the Knights, but things didn’t go as planned. Just as he struggled in the big leagues, Yates gave up the game here, allowing a walk to former Yankees prospect Slade Heathcott. A bunt moved him to second, and a single scored the tying run. Then Yates walked another one and another single gave them the walk-off win. Bravo.

The offense put on a show, but wasn’t able to capitalize after scoring only three runs on 12 hits. Mason Williams was great, driving in all three runs on two singles and a double, but it ultimately wasn’t enough. Ike Davis and Jonathan Diaz each collected a single and a double, while Pete Kozma had two hits, and Jake Cave had a single and a walk. Ben Gamel and Donovan Solano each collected a hit, and Gary Sanchez walked.

Double-A Trenton Thunder: W 3-2 vs. Portland Sea Dogs

The Thunder won another game on the back of catcher Kyle Higashioka, who hit the game-winning home run in the bottom of the eighth to take the lead. He also drove in a run during the team’s two-run first inning. Mark Payton drove in the other run with a single and also managed to steal a base. Tyler Wade had two hits, a walk, and stole a base, Cito Culver doubled, and Dante Bichette and Dustin Fowler each had a hit.

Starting pitcher Ronald Herrera kept Trenton in the game, going six innings, while striking out three, and allowing only two runs on five hits and two walks. In relief, Tyler Jones struck out three and gave up one hit in two frames, and Jonathan Holder struck out two in one inning of work.

High-A Tampa Yankees: W 4-3 vs. St. Lucie Mets

Tampa squeaked out a win last night thanks to a Jeff Hendrix RBI-triple in the top of the ninth inning. The big knock only improved his night, which already included a single from earlier in the evening. Thairo Estrada had two hits and two walks, while Abiatal Avelino has two hits and a stolen base. Austin Aune singled and brought in a run, Francisco Diaz had two hits, and Kevin Cornelius and Jake Skole had one walk apiece.

The pitching held on by allowing only three runs on a total of 10 hits. Starting pitcher Will Carter struck out two in five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits and a walk. The bullpen kept the Mets silent over four innings as Jordan Foley and Dillon McNamara teamed up to allow only three hits and two walks with four strikeouts.

Low-A Charleston RiverDogs: Off-day

Short Season-A Staten Island Yankees: W 8-5 vs. Aberdeen IronBirds (11 innings)

Staten Island pulled one out against Aberdeen after taking it to the 11th inning. The offense was led by Dalton Blaser, who drove in three runs on two singles, a solo home run, and a walk. He was joined by Angel Aguilar, who collected a single, double, walk, stolen base, and RBI, and Timmy Robinson, who hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning. Kendall Coleman singled in a run and Mike Ford had a walk and RBI as well. Nick Solak singled, walked twice, and stole a base, Drew Bridges had two doubles, and both Ben Ruta and Jerry Seitz walked once.

The pitching did well enough to keep them in the game as starter Drew Finley allowed only one run on two hits and a walk over three innings while striking out two. David Sosebee followed that up with two scoreless innings, allowing only a walk and a hit. Josh Roeder allowed two runs on three hits and a walk in his two frames, while Claudio Custodio allowed only two hits over his inning of work. David Palladino pitched in extras, striking out five, but also allowing two runs on two hits and two walks over three innings.

Rookie Advanced Pulaski Yankees: L 8-10 vs. Danville Braves

Despite a late comeback attempt, Pulaski pitching couldn’t stop Danville’s bats. The night ended up being quite the blowout for both teams as Isiah Gilliam drove in three runs on three singles and a double. Estevan Florial brought in three of his own after a two-run home run and a walk. Dermis Garcia also homered and walked on his way to a two-RBI night, and Blake Rutherford singled, doubled, and walked. Wilkerman Garcia and Leonardo Molina both had a hit and a walk, Victor Rey and Welfrin Mateo each had a hit, and Brian Reyes walked.

It still wasn’t enough after starting pitcher Rafael Lara allowed six runs (four earned) on seven hits and two walks in four innings. Miles Chambers pitched 2.1 innings, allowing another three runs on three walks, and Will Jones threw 1.2 innings, giving up another run on two hits and a walk.

GCL Yankees East: L 3-4 vs. GCL Yankees West

East
Oswaldo Cabrera H, 2 2B
Erick Mendez 2 H, 2 RBI
Brandon Wagner 2 H
Jesus Graterol H, 3B
Yeison Corredera H

Joe Harvey 2.2 IP, 2 H
Jairo Garcia 4.1 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 K
Kyle Halbohn 2.0 IP, 2 H, 3 R/0 ER, BB, K

West
Evan Alexander H, RBI
Nelson Gomez H
Miguel Flames RBI
Leobaldo Cabrera H
Ozzie Liranzo H
Frederick Cuevas 2 H, RBI
Griffin Garabito 2B

Eric Ruth 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R/1 ER, 2 K
Alexander Rosario 4.2 IP, 8 H, ER, 5 K
Jordan Ovalles 2.0 IP, 3 K