YGY SI Yanks Recap: Steiger Homers, Drives In Four In 10-6 Victory

It was a historic night at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark in St. George, as the Staten Island Yankees played their 500th home game in franchise history. On this night that had a sell-out crowd in attendance, the Staten Island Yankees (5-4) took the second game of a three-game series against the Hudson Valley Renegades (5-4) by a final score of 10-6. It was a back-and-forth night, as both teams exchanged the lead several times through the first six innings. However, it was a six-run, two-out rally in the sixth that won the game for the Baby Bombers.  The star of the night was designated hitter Brady Steiger, who went 3-for-4 with a home run, a double and four RBI.

Staten Island didn’t waste any time getting on the board. After center fielder Devyn Bolasky led off the bottom of the first with a walk, Steiger had an 11-pitch at-bat with Hudson Valley starter Oscar Armenta, that would culminate in a two-run homer that hit off the top of the wall in right and bounced over. It was Steiger’s first home run of the season.

"“Brady is one of the best competitors that we have in the box,” said Garza about Steiger’s first at-bat. “I couldn’t be happier for Brady.”"

Hudson Valley was able to come back in the game against Staten Island starter, Jordan Cote, with one run in the second, and two runs in the third to take the lead. The two runs came via a home run to left field by Rays’ first round draft pick, first baseman Casey Gillaspie. It was his second homer of the season. Cote had a rough outing as he gave up three runs, on three hits in 3.1 innings, striking out one, and walking one.

In the bottom of the third inning,.Staten Island would come right back with three more runs. Steiger would hit a RBI double to center field, that scored Bolasky after he singled, and advanced to third on two passed balls. Two batters later, with the game tied, second baseman Ty McFarland doubled to right field to score Steiger, and give the team a 4-3 lead. Third baseman Renzo Martini would follow McFarland’s at-bat with a RBI ground out, to extend the lead to 5-3.

Hudson Valley would come right back with one run in the fifth (Gillaspie sacrifice fly), and two runs in the sixth inning against Conor Mullee, who ended up being the winning pitcher for Staten Island. In an inning that included a Mullee balk, Second Baseman Jace Conrad got the big hit for the Renegades, a two-run single to right  that gave Hudson Valley a 6-5 lead.

Then, the Baby Bombers struck right back in the bottom of the inning. With two outs, the team recorded six straight hits, including four straight singles to start the rally.

Catcher Isaias Tejeda and center fielder Daniel Lopez would start the inning with consecutive singles. After a pair of passed balls scored Tejeda to tie the game, Bolasky would hit an infield single to re-take the lead for Staten Island with Steiger hitting another RBI single to make it 8-6. After a Christopher Breen double, McFarland would single to center to drive in two runs and end the string. While he did get thrown out trying to get to second base, McFarland still ended the night with three RBI.  That 6th inning was an inning that this offense needed, considering they only scored 22 runs in the first eight games of the year.

"“That’s what we were looking for right there,” remarked Steiger. “It’s been a bit of a struggle, but I think tonight could be a turnaround.”"

All five runs were scored against Eli Echarry, who picked up the loss. Staten Island relievers Andury Acevedo and Rony Bautista finished the last three innings, shutting out the Renegades by combining for six strikeouts and three hitless innings.

The two teams will conclude their series in Hudson Valley at 5:05 PM ET Sunday afternoon. Dillon McNamara (0-0, 2.70) gets the start for Staten Island, as they begin a stretch where they will play nine of their next eleven on the road. It is a test that Garza is very interested in seeing how his players handle the challenge:

"“I hope it’s a great opportunity for these guys to grow together,” replied Garza. “I really expect it to be a good trip.”"