While the majority of the attention was on the rehabbing Phil Hughes, it was the young centerfielder Mason Williams who shined once more. Williams who has been one of the best hitters so far in this early season went 3 for 5 for the Staten Island Yankees. The younger prospect’s average is currently at .385 for the year and has been at home in the leadoff spot in the lineup.
The Baby Bombers were the first to score, plating two runs in the top of the third. Casey Stevenson started it off with a leadoff walk then went to second on a one-out single by Shane Brown and scored on a ground ball single to right field by Mason Williams. Williams then went to second on the throw just barely making it. Cito Culver then sharply grounded out to second to bring in Brown and give the Yankees a 2-0 lead.
Phil Hughes went four and a third innings for Staten Island, being lifted after 61 pitches and a monster homerun by Cyclone batter Nelfi Zapata. The pitch that was sent into the scoreboard was a changeup that stayed over the plate.
Wilton Rodriguez replaced Phil Hughes and was the losing pitcher. Rodriguez went two and two third innings allowing four runs on five hits and two walks.
Staten Island plated their third run in the top of the seventh inning. With one-out Mason Williams singled to left and then stole second and went to third on a throwing error by the catcher. Cito Culver then grounded out to bring in Mason Williams and give the Yankees their third run.
Mat t Tracy was the final pitcher for the Yankees throwing an inning and striking out two.
Tomorrow night the Yankees will travel to Hudson Valley to open a series with the Hudson Valley Renegades. They will return home on Tuesday.