Sports

International League Baseball

By Van Rose vrose@timesleader.com
Sports Reporter

MOOSIC — Shelley Duncan made a triumphant return to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday night.

Duncan had four hits, including a home run and three doubles to lead the Yankees to an 11-5 come-from-behind victory over Louisville at PNC Field.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (5-3) snapped a three-game losing streak and now embarks on an eight-game road trip to Durham and Charlotte.

Duncan, who hit a franchise record 25 home runs last season for the Yanks, joined the team earlier in the day after being sent down by New York 24 hours earlier.

“I had to grind out each at bat,” said Duncan. “I’m still kind of rusty. In a case like this, you have to do whatever’s necessary to help your team.”

Even though he had three days to report to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Duncan got here over night because he wanted to play in the final game of the homestand.

“I had a lot fun here last year,” he said. “I just want to be part of the team and help them win. It’s going to be an exciting season.”

Acting manager Alvaro Espinoza, who filled in for Dave Miley who missed the game with the flu, said it’s difficult to put Duncan’s performance into words.

“He was unbelievable,” Espinoza said. “He brings great energy to the team.”

The Yankees suffered what could prove to be a big blow when starting pitcher Alan Horne left the game after two innings with a bicep injury to his pitching arm. Espinoza said he doesn’t know the full extent of the injury.

Louisville struck quickly, taking a 4-0 lead in the first inning off Horne. Jay Bruce and Jolbert Cabrera swatted RBI singles, while Jerry Gil slammed a two-run double with two outs.

The Yankees got on the board in the bottom of the second inning. Duncan led off with a line single to left field, and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Chad Moeller.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre rallied to take a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the fifth, thanks in part to some aggressive baserunning.

Chad Moeller drew a leadoff walk, and was erased at second when Bernie Castro grounded into a fielder’s choice. Brett Gardner followed with an infield single.

With speed on the bases, Espinoza flashed the green light, which resulted in a double steal by Castro and Garner.

Justin Christian then singled home both runners and coasted into second on the throw home. Christian promptly stole third and then scored on a balk, tying the score at 4-4.

Jason Lane was hit by a pitch—setting the stage for Duncan, who doubled in Lane to give Scranton/Wilkes-Barre a 5-4 lead.

“I think the double steal was the key point in the game for us,” said Espinoza. “It woke us up and got the other guys involved.”

The Yankees broke the game open with four runs in the seventh, including a two-run, tape measure home run by Lane to extend the lead to 9-4.

Lane also had a big night. He was 2-for-4 with two RBI, and leads the Yankees the International League with four home runs.

Looking Ahead

NEXT GAME: 7:05 p.m. today at Durham

PITCHERS: Yankees Darrell Rasner (RHP, 1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Durham’s Chris Mason (RHP, 0-0, 0.00 ERA).

RADIO: 1280-AM, 1340-AM, 1400-AM, 1590-AM with Mike Vander Wood.

ON DECK: SWB’s four-game series at Durham continues through Monday.