For the first time since June 30, the Y-D Red Sox made up ground on the Brewster Whitecaps. It helped that Brewster had an off day, but the Red Sox helped themselves too. Y-D scored early and held off a late charge to beat Orleans 3-2 last night. With the win, Y-D is now four points back of Brewster for first place in the East.
For the last two weeks, Y-D was either keeping pace or losing ground. Every time Brewster lost, so did Y-D, eliminating the chance to catch up.
With Brewster not playing last night, Y-D seized its chance. Stewart Ijames (Louisville) hit his second home run in as many days for the Red Sox and drove in two. Matt Jensen (Cal Poly) went 2-for-4 and knocked in the other run. Jett Bandy (Arizona), fresh off Team USA trials, played his second game for Y-D and delivered his first hit. Bandy could be a big addition; he hit .354 with six home runs this spring.
Tanner Poppe (Kansas) got the win for Y-D with four solid innings. He allowed one run on five hits. Gabriel Shaw (Louisville) made his second appearance and picked up his first save.
Kolten Wong (Hawaii) and Kevin Muno (San Diego) had three hits each for the Firebirds, who out-hit Y-D 12-10. They scored one run in the eighth and had two men on base in the ninth, but Shaw got out of the jam, stranding Wong at second.
Y-D has won two in a row.
Elsewhere
What to Watch
Anthony Ranaudo (LSU) is scheduled to start as Brewster hosts Harwich at 5 p.m.