Yankees cruise past Braves, 8-0
The Pulaski Yankees jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as they cruised to an 8-0 win over the Danville Braves to seal the series win.
Gray clouds and lightning surrounded Calfee Park as first pitch neared and the night got started under a lightning delay that pushed the start of the game back 30 minutes. Luckily the weather stayed away after that and the Yankees treated fans in Pulaski to another all-around stellar performance.
Anthony Volpe got the Yankees started with a single and a stolen base before Ryder Green hit an infield single on a hit and run that allowed Volpe to score from second base. With Green on first, Chad Bell hit his seventh home run of the year to put the Yankees on top 3-0 after their first at bats.
Pulaski just kept adding to it in the second inning as the first two batters hit singles. A wild pitch allowed both runners to move up a base before Volpe drove in a run with a sacrifice fly to right field. Another wild pitch scored another run as the Yankees lead 5-0 after two innings.
Bell hit a double in the bottom of the third inning and came around to score as Gustavo Campero hit an opposite field double down the left field line of his own for a 6-0 lead.
Jhonatan Munoz made his third start of the season against the Braves and improved to 3-0. The beginning of the game was a bit shaky for Munoz as he walked the first two batters he faced. After pitching coach Gerardo Casadiego came out to check on him, he was lights out the rest of the game. Munoz went five innings without surrendering a hit. The Braves finally got a hit to lead off the sixth inning before Munoz set a career high with his ninth strikeout of the game. A double play ended the inning, and night for Munoz. The nine strikeouts tied a single-game high that was set just a few days ago when Reid Anderson also struck out nine batters in Kingsport.
Pulaski added another two runs in the bottom of the fifth as Volpe hit an RBI double off the right field wall to score a run and then Green also hit a double that scored Volpe as the Yankees took an 8-0 lead.
Elvis Peguero came in to relieve Munoz in the seventh inning and gave up a pair of hits with a strikeout to keep the Braves off the board. Tyler Johnson pitched the top of the ninth inning and retired the Braves in order including a pair of strikeouts to end the game.
All together the Yankees hit six extra base hits including five doubles, which tied the single game high as they have now accomplished that on three separate occasions. It was also the fourth time the Yankees pitchers have shutout the opponent. Tonight’s win guaranteed Pulaski the season series win over Danville as they have won two out of the three series that they have played.
The Yankees will go for the series sweep tomorrow night as they conclude the three game series. HOPE Week rolls on tomorrow as the Yankees will continue to honor the community all-stars as teachers will be offered $2 general admission tickets. It’ll be ‘Thirsty Thursday’ at the park as well so fans can enjoy discounted fountain drinks and special prices on draft beer. Fans are encouraged to stick around after the final out, as there will be a post game fireworks show. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.pulaskiyankees.net or call the front office at 540-980-1070.