Gil's Blast Brings Bombers to Life

A 3-run homerun by Jose Gil brought the Yankees to life in a 5-4 victory

By: Robert Pimpsner

July 3, 2007 - It was a calm and clear night at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark as the Staten Island Yankees and Hudson Valley Renegades faced off in the rubber game of a three game set.  The bombers looked to take the series after dropping the second game last night in Hudson Valley.  Looking to lead the bombers to victory was Gabe Medina, who got the start for the bombers.  Medina went just three innings and allowed four runs on five hits to the ‘Gades.

Hudson Valley was the first to score, plating two runs in the second and another two in the third.  There was some excitement early on when Hudson Valley manager Matt Quatraro was thrown out of the game arguing a fly ball to left off the bat of Matt Morris was dropped Angel Fermin.  Quatraro attempted to argue the ball was caught and dropped on the transfer, but was unsuccessful and after a half a minute of arguing was tossed by the home plate umpire.

The Renegades remained in the lead until the bottom of the fifth inning.  After Justin Snyder got a one out walk, Austin Krum belted a line drive to right that fell in for a single and moving the Snyder to third.  Jose Gil knocked a three run homerun over the left field wall to put the Yankees with in one run.  The Yankees were not finished after the fifth as they rallied in the sixth with two outs.  Isaiah Howes drew a walk and a double by Matt Morris would tie the game at four.  ‘Gades left fielder Angel Fermin committed another error that would bring in Morris and give the Yankees the go ahead run.

Kyle Hollander took the ball from Medina in the fourth inning and pitched one inning in his 2007 debut.  Nick Chigges took over in the fifth and went on to pitch five shutout innings to earn the win.

The Yankees will remain home tomorrow night as they faced their cross-town rival Brooklyn Cyclones.  Brooklyn native Dellin Betances will be on the mound against his hometown team.  Tomorrow night's game is a scheduled 6:00 start with gates opening at 4:30.