Three-run seventh bolts Yankees over Mets

KINGSPORT, Tn – The Pulaski Yankees fell behind 2-0 for the second consecutive evening against the Kingsport Mets, but three runs in the top of the seventh inning lifted the Yankees to a 3-2 win on Tuesday at Hunter Wright Stadium. 

Pedro Espinola cruised through the lineup’s first turn at bats, not allowing a hit in the first three innings. Into the fourth, the Mets put runners on the corners with nobody out to begin the frame. Kenny Hernandez lifted a fly ball to right field on a 1-2 count to score Zach Rheams on the sacrifice fly. Hayden Senger was thrown out at second base on a laser throw by Jordan Scott.

Next at bat, with no one on the base paths, Raul Beracierta homered to right field, extending Kingsport’s lead to 2-0 and ending Espinola’s night.  

In the top of the seventh, Pulaski rallied with a three spot to grab their first lead of the night. A sacrifice fly by Mickey Gasper scored Carlos Narvaez cut the deficit to 2-1. Next, behind in the count 1-2, Evan Alexander singled on a soft fly ball to left fielder Rheams. A fielding error on the play allowed Nelson Gomez to score and advanced Jordan Scott to second.

With Max Burt batting, a wild pitch by Mets’ Liam McCall scored Scott from 90 feet away, giving Pulaski their first lead of the night. The Yankees added insurance in the ninth inning on a Terrance Robertson RBI single to score Gasper, and a Max Burt sacrifice fly to score Alexander, giving Pulaski a 5-2 lead. 

The Yankees bullpen continued its impressive production with 5.1 total scoreless innings. Marcus Evey took over for Espinola and pitched 2.1 innings allowing only one hit and four strikeouts. Austin Gardner went two innings, walked two, struck out three, but recorded a monstrous two outs with the bases loaded in the seventh inning to keep Pulaski ahead.  

Ron Marinaccio entered in the ninth inning for the save opportunity and retired the Mets in order for Pulaski’s first recorded save of the 2018 season. The 5-2 win over Kingsport gave the Yanks their second straight series victory. 

The Pulaski Yankees return to Calfee Park tomorrow for the start of a two-game set against the Bluefield Blue Jays at 7 p.m. General Admission tickets for Wednesday’s game is FREE courtesy of the Town of Pulaski. Ticket information is available at pulaskiyankees.net.