York Rips Bridgeport in Easy Fashion

By Corey Righter on September 12, 2008

YORK, PA – As Kaz Tanaka stood leaning to one side on his bat as the short tribute was played on the video board he knew his professional career was coming to an end. More signs of farewell would take place throughout the game as fans gave flowers, cards, and more.

Tanaka played his final game Thursday night with the Revolution in the last game of a five game series against the Bridgeport Bluefish. The Japanese native will be returning to his home to continue his education.

With the goodbyes almost out of the way, York had one more in mind and this one would not be sad for York fans. Outfielders Jason Aspito and Matt Esquivel combined to go 5 for 8, knocked in four runs and led York to a 5-2 victory in easy fashion against the struggling Bluefish

There was no aftershock from last night’s scuffle on the field. However centerfielder Kennard Jones was suspended for one game, and also fined an undisclosed amount. There was no word on the discipline handed down to the Bluefish.

“There were some people still upset after last night’s game, but I thought they came out tonight ready to play,” said Manager Chris Hoiles.

The Bluefish had numerous opportunities to make something happen. In the first inning Bridgeport’s Alex Prieto hit a moon shot down the leftfield line and caused a stir of controversy. The umpire ruled it a foul ball and that brought out Bridgeport manager Tommy John.

The ruling was upheld and after the inning concluded one Bridgeport player continued to argue and was tossed from the game.

York pitcher Byron Batson made his first start since being recently acquired from Somerset. He lasted 3 1/3 innings as Bridgeport plated two runs in the fourth including Jesse Hoorelbeke’s 28th homerun of the season.

“We wanted to get him (Batson) out there and we thought three or four (innings) were probably the right amount,” commented Hoiles.

Dan Foli replaced Batson and pitched a near perfect 2 2/3 innings, striking out two, and walking two, and held the Bluefish hitless. Foli earned the win and improved his record to 6-7.

Foli was originally scheduled to pitch Saturday in Long Island, but after pitching in relief he will be replaced by Dave Gil.

York will travel to Long Island to finish up the final three games of fourteen consecutive games against the Liberty Division. York has dominated the Ducks this season accumulating a 13-5 record when facing them.

Starters Aaron Rakers, Dave Gil, and Corey Thurman will take the mound this weekend. Rakers will look to become York’s third pitcher to earn ten wins this season and join teammates Wayne Franklin, and Thurman. York did not have a single ten game winner last season.

With a Newark loss to Southern Maryland, York moved to four games ahead of Lancaster who has moved into second place as Newark has slipped to third.

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