Minors Get Some Majors

Congratulations are in order for the Tampa Yankees (FSL) and Staten Island Yankees (NYPL), aka "Baby Bombers", who both won their respective league championships.

Tampa was tied 2-2 in the Best of Five Florida State League series with the Charlotte Stone Crabs (who came up with that name?). Trent Lare tossed five scoreless innings in the finale to boost the team to a 5-2 win.

David Adams delivered a key 2-run single and the bullpen trio of Hector Noesi, Pat Venditte, and Noel Castillo shut things down.

Ben Watkins got it done when needed most.

The Baby Bombers captured the New York Penn League title for the 5th time, and first since 2006. Pitcher Ben Watkins kept the Yankees within a two run deficit to the Mahoning Valley Scrappers with five innings of 1-hit ball and his teammates rallied. Star player Neil Medchill (who will have off-season wrist surgery) knocked in the winner in the 8th inning and Staten Island went on to a 5-2 win.