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Here's proof of why I enjoy covering the minor leagues in Central New York:
The Yankees, who'll miss the post-season for the first time since 2016, drew encouragement yesterday when top prospects Austin Wells (above) and Oswald Peraza (below) both homered in their 6-4 win over the contending Diamondbacks.
While former top prospect Estevan Florial, who was only called up after Jasson Dominguez blew out his elbow, delivered the 8th inning sacrifice fly (scoring Peraza) that gave the Yanks the lead for keeps.
Justin Verlander's report card from his half-season with the Mets was, at best, "incomplete." Back with the Astros, he's a difference-maker.  Last night, in the opener of a crucial rivalry series at Seattle, he held the Mariners to a run and three hits while striking out eight and working one batter into the 9th.
The victory moved Houston closer to a Wild Card playoff spot and was the 256th of his career, pulling him even with Andy Pettitte on the all time list.
 

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