Staten Island, NY – June 22nd – Right handed pitcherGiovanny Gallegos (1-1) threw 53 pitches in 5.0 innings for Staten Island on Saturday night, but suffered the loss as the Yankees fell to the Hudson Valley Renegades 4-2.
The Yankees had just two hits until the sixth, when shortstop John Murphy led off the frame with a solo shot over the right field wall – the first Staten Island Yankees’ home run of the 2013 season. Murphy led the Yankees’ offense going 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI.
DH Mike O’Neill then singled, and moved to third when centerfielder Brandon Thomas also singled in the next at bat. Next up, third baseman Kale Sumner grounded into a double play that allowed O’Neill to cross the plate, cutting the Renegades’ lead in half.
The undefeated Renegades (6-0) struck early, putting two runs on the board in the top of the second. Back-to-back singles by catcher Oscar Hernandez and first baseman John Alexander put runners on first and second. Hernandez and Alexander each advanced a base when Hudson Valley starter Jordan Harrison threw a wild pitch. A sacrifice fly by left fielder James Harris scored the first run; and later DH Ryan McChesney hit a ground ball RBI single to right.
Hudson Valley scored two more runs in the sixth when shortstop Patrick Blair homered to left, driving in third baseman JonathanQuinonez – who had reached on a double.
Harrison (2-0) earned the win for Hudson Valley, tossing 6.0 innings and allowing two earned runs off five hits with two walks and eight strikeouts. Corey MacDonald pitched the last three innings and picked up his first save. He gave up two hits, walked one, and fanned one batter.
Staten Island reliever Tyler Webb came into the game in the ninth, and struck out the side with 13 pitches.
The Yankees will begin a three game series at home against the Aberdeen Ironbirds tomorrow at 4:00PM. Philip Walby will make his first appearance on the mound for Staten Island, while David Richardson (0-1, 18.90) will get the start for Aberdeen. Tickets are on sale now by calling 718-720-9265, or visiting the box office at Richmond County Bank Ballpark.