Baby Birds Defeat Baby Bombers

Yanks drop second consecutive game

By: Robert Pimpsner

June 22, 2006 - In front of over 6,500 fans the Staten Island Yankees were defeated by Cal Ripken's Aberdeen Ironbirds by the score of 4-3 on the first Fireworks Friday of the season.  The game started off shaky for the baby bombers, as Angel Reyes walked three batters in the first inning and gave up one run on no hits.  Reyes was not the only pitcher having trouble, as the Ironbirds sent out Aubrey Miller out against the Yankees.  In the bottom of the first Miller walked Justin Snyder and Luis Nunez to start the inning, then struck out Damon Sublett and hit David Williams to load the bases.  A sacrifice fly by Andres Perez would tie the game at one and a passed ball gave the Yankees the lead.

            After a shaky first Angel Reyes came out to start the second.  He proceeded to walk the first two batters and then gave up a single to center.  With the bases loaded Reyes walked in the tying run.  Jeff Livek then came in to relieve Reyes with the bases loaded, the batter hit into a fielders choice but the Yankees were unable to get an out, giving the 'Birds a 3-2 lead.

            Aberdeen would remain in the lead until the fifth inning, after James LaSala struck out to begin the inning, Justin Snyder was hit by the pitch and stole second.  He then advanced on a passed ball.  Luis Nunez then hit into a fielders choice with Snyder out at the plate.  Damon Sublett drew a two out walk to bring David Williams to the plate.  Williams then reached on a fielding error that allowed the Yankees to tie the game.

            The score would remain tied until the top of the ninth inning, Philip Bartleski was on the mound for the bombers in his second appearance this year.  Bartleski gave up a lead off double to left and then a single that would give the 'Birds the lead before he struck out the side swinging.  The Yankees were unable to muster any offense in the bottom of the inning, giving the 'Birds their third win of the season.

            Staten Island and Aberdeen meet once more on Saturday with Nick Chigges scheduled to take the mound for the baby bombers.  The game starts at 7:10 and gates open at 5:40.