2018 MLCS Game 2

Sylvanos Tonka took the mound against the Bandits, who countered with George Wallace White.  White had not pitched since May 3rd after tearing his meniscus.  With the minor league season over, the team had no opportunity to give him a rehab start, but decided to activate and start the former Roger Chillingworth award winner anyway.

White was shaky in the first inning, giving up leadoff double to Thompson and a walk to Jackson.  After Bear popped out, Chad White singled to left, with the runner having to hold up at third.  White walked Chris Gruber to force in a run, but settled down after that. striking out Bowman and getting Bohlander to fly out and leave the bases loaded.

White gave up no more runs in the second and third, and left the game in the top of the 4th after throwing 59 pitches.  For his part, Tonka had a shutout going. 

Bay Area got excellent relief from Steve Serbalik, David Adams, and Bruce Holland, while Tonka lasted 7 innings, allowing no runs on 5 hits and 4 walks.  He struck out three.

The Bandits' best chance to score came in the 6th.  With one out, Ryan Jones singled, then Tonka walked the next two hitters to load the bases.  New York elected to play the defense back and it paid off when Sam Suarez bounced a ball to second base, which Lee Thompson turned into a 4-6-3 double play.

In the 8th inning with Todd McCarthy on the mound Ryan Stephens reached on an error, and Miguel Cruz drew a walk.  New York went to the bullpen for Paul Miller, who struck out pinch hitter Jarod Fulton.  Then it was time for the closer, Papelbrad, who struck out Mick McAndrews and Willy Ramirez.

Papelbrad stayed on for the 9th.  After a leadoff single, he got the next two batters to fly out and struck out Preston Greenfield looking to end the ballgame.

With the 1-0 victory New York ties the series as they head back home.