Sublett Slams Out the Scrap

Damon Sublett hit the first Yankees Grand Slam of the 2007 season

By: Robert Pimpsner

July 17, 2007 - It was a good night for the Staten Island Yankees as they took on the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in the first game of a three game set.  The game kicked off late as rain passed through Niles, Ohio; forcing an hour and twenty minute rain delay.

            The bombers were the first to strike, scoring in the first inning.  Justin Snyder led off the game reaching base and advancing to second on a throwing error.  After two straight outs a single to center by Braedyn Pruitt gave the Yanks an early lead.

            Yankees starter Ryan Zink however would surrender two runs to the Scrappers in their half of the first, but a big second inning would get him run support he needed for the game.  Jose Gil lead off the second with a double, then advanced to third when Austin Krum.  After a strike out the bombers would pull off a double steal and tie the game.  Two consecutive hit batters would load the bases for Damon Sublett.  Sublett knocked his third home run of the season over the right field fence.  Sublett’s grand slam was the first hit by the bombers this season.

            The bombers added insurance in the third when with two outs Matt Morris was hit by the pitch.  Two straight singles by Justin Snyder and Taylor Holiday would bring him home.  Ryan Zink pitched five innings, giving up four runs on eight hits and walked three batters.  Philip Bartleski took over on the mound and pitched 2.2 innings and gave up two runs on one hit.

            The bombers scored again in the sixth to put the game away.  Justin Snyder led off with a line drive single to right and then advanced to second on a throwing error on a pickoff attempt.  Snyder went on to steal third with one out and Damon Sublett earned a walk.  Both runners would come in to score when Braedyn Pruitt doubled to right.

            Staten Island took the first game of the series 9-6 with Ryan Zink earning the win.  Justin Snyder, Damon Sublett, Braedyn Pruitt, and Jose Gill all had multi-hit games.  Sublett had four RBIs, all on the grand slam in the second and Pruitt had three RBIs in the game.  These two teams will meet again for game two as Adam Olbrychowski will start for the baby bombers.