by As the Brooklyn Cyclones were just starting to put together a two-out rally against Yankees right-hander Branden Pinder, Cyclones right-fielder Javier Rodriguez sent a fly ball into right field that looked like it would fall in for a base hit but Staten Island right-fielder Ben Gamel had ideas of his own. Gamel flew thru the air and made an incredible diving catch to end the game and give the Staten Island Yankees their first win of the 2011 season.
Right-handed pitcher William Oliver, a 35th Round pick from last year’s draft, made the start for the Baby Bombers. Oliver struck out eight Cyclone batters but also allowed four hits and two walks in his four innings of work. He was relieved by Dustin Hobbs who earned the win throwing two innings allowing a run on a walk and two hits.
Staten Island was the first to put runs on the board in the contest. In the top of the fifth inning Ben Gamel started it off with a fly ball double to right and ten moved to third when Reymond Nunez singled to center. After a walk to Casey Stevenson loaded the bases, Shane Brown flew out to short-right field before Jhorge Liccien sent a sacrifice fly to deep right-field to bring in Gamel. Robert Rinard then lined a single to center to bring in Nunez, giving the Yankees a 2-0 lead.
The Yankees went to add an insurance run in the top of the sixth inning after Angelo Gumbs drew a one-out walk, stole second and moved to third on a ground out before scoring on a line drive single to center by Reymond Nunez. But in the bottom of the inning the Cyclones plated their first run after Richard Lucas singled and then scored on a Travis Taijeron double.
Phillip Wetherell came into the game to make his professional debut in the seventh inning. Wetherel allowed a hit and struck out two on 25 pitches, 14 for strikes. He was followed by Zach Arneson who also made his professional debut and struck out one in his inning on 11 pitches, 8 for strikes.
Brandon Pinder then came into the game for the ninth inning. After two quick outs Daniel Muno doubled to right then went to third on a wild pitch. He then came home on a single to center by Brandon Brown. Next up at the plate was Javier Rodriguez who was not an easy out for the Yankee pitcher. After seeing many pictures he sent the ball flying into right field where Ben Gamel made his incredible catch.
Tomorrow night these two teams will meet up again with New York Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes making his rehab start for the Staten Island Yankees. That game will start at 5:00.
