Game Date: 5/10/04

Leagues: Rookie

Yankees 16    Reds 15

Description:

The Reds, playing without starting shortstop Donovan Brady and utility infielder Sam Riemer, battled bravely against the streaking Yankees, but gave up the game-winning run on the last at-bat to lose, 16-15.

Once again, the Reds were strong at the plate, pounding out 27 hits. The Yankees were unable to retire a single batter - but their great speed in the field enabled them to limit the Reds' run production by forcing out runners on the base paths, including two force outs at home plate.

The Reds took the early lead, 5-4, after one inning. Joey Rice (pitcher) linked up with T.C. Falkner at first to put away two Yankee batters and the Reds retired the side when T.C. forced a runner at first on a groundout. Meanwhile, a double by Joey in the Reds' keyed a five-run first. But the Reds missed a chance to score six when a short grounder back to the Yankee pitcher allowed the Yanks to force a Reds runner at first.

The shorthanded Reds were forced to play with just three outfielders, and the Yankees took advantage in the second, hitting a triple and a double to start the inning. The usually reliable Reds defense was unable to manufacture an out in the inning - despite several "near-misses" - and the Yankees scored six runs. The Reds nearly matched the Yankee total, but when the home team forced runners out at third and second, the Reds settled for five and a 10-10 tie.

After averaging six outs a game in the first three games, the Reds managed just four against the speedy Yankees.

Kyle Blair got the Reds off to a great start in the third, leading off with a double. Josh Hurt's single brought him home to push the Reds back out in front, 11-10. The Reds batted around and the inning ended with Kyle singling home Tyler Jones to make it 15-10, Reds. In a key defensive stop, however, the Yankees had forced a runner at home plate. That would prove to be decisive.

The Yankees sewed up the win by rapping out nine consecutive singles in the bottom of the third. Despite a number of near-misses, the Reds were unable to get an out until the final at-bat. With the score tied at 15 and bases loaded, the Yankees snapped a grounder down the third base line. Isaac Fields fielded it perfectly to force the runner at third, but the Yankees scored on the play to win in a squeaker, 16-15.