Peter O'Brien's Slam Gives Yankees Win in Shortened Game

Tampa, Fla. - Peter O'Brien delivered an opposite field grand slam in the bottom of the first to lead the Tampa Yankees (2-1) to a 4-1 win over the Brevard County Manatees (1-2) on Saturday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Yankees' starter Bryan Mitchell (4-7) takes credit for his first complete game of the season. The right-hander allowed one run on four hits and one walk while striking out five in five innings pitched.

Brevard County scored in the top of the first. Gregory Hopkins singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch before coming home on an RBI single by Nick Ramirez.

Mason Williams singled off of Manatees' starter Jed Bradley (4-3) to leadoff the bottom of the first. Robert Refsnyder followed with a walk before Ben Gamel reached on a fielder's choice, retiring Refsnyder at second. Gary Sanchez walked to load the bases. One out later, Peter O'Brien cleared the bases with a two-out blast to right field.

A light drizzle turned into heavy rainfall as Gamel reached on a one-out walk in the fifth. With a 2-1 count on Sanchez, umpires Ryan Additon and Ryan Clark decided to remove the players from the field. Puddles formed and the umpires deemed the field unplayable. With four and a half innings being played, the game became official.

Up next, the Yankees travel to Clearwater to begin a three-game commuter series with the Threshers at Bright House Field at 1:00 p.m. RHP Rafael De Paula is scheduled to make his first start as a member of the T-Yanks. The Yankees return to Tampa on Monday for game two of the series. Fans can enjoy Winning@Home Monday sponsored by Capital One Work@Home. If the Tampa Yankees win, fans receive a free ticket to a future 2013 home game. Also, the first 250 fans will receive a 2012 team card set. Gates open at 6:00 p.m.


(milb.com)