Steven graduated Cum Laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications, focusing on film studies, journalism and theatre arts. Dubbed a "prolific" writer by Hollywood icon Kenneth Johnson (The Incredible Hulk, V, The Bionic Woman, Alien Nation), Steven has been honored by the Arkansas College Media Association for his story writing prowess. He has also received recognition for his dramatic writing from the Eerie, Shriekfest and Screamfest horror film festivals. Publications include: Carroll County News, Saline Courier, Forum, Echo and Moroch.

Yankees crush dirty birds

Posted Sunday, June 11, 2017, at 7:55 AM

Photo credit: Getty Images

NEW YORK — The New York Yankees (36-23) continued their overwhelming power surge, as the Bronx Bombers crushed the Baltimore Orioles (31-29), 16-3.

The Orioles were helpless, as the Yankees launched five homers during the offensive exhibition. New York went to work on Baltimore's starting pitcher Chris Tillman (1-4) right from the beginning.

Tillman seemed to be on cruise control, as he quickly struck out the first two batters he faced in the bottom of the first inning. But outfielder Aaron Judge turned the tide with one swing of the bat. Judge crushed a long homer to give the Yanks a 1-0 lead, but the party was just getting started.

“To be honest, it’s more than just Bronx Bombers,” Judge said. “We got good hitters on this team. We got a good lineup. We got a good team. So I don’t want to really classify it as just we’re the Bronx Bombers.”

Outfielders Matt Holliday and second baseman Starlin Castro reached next to set up catcher Gary Sanchez, who was the designated hitter. Sanchez ripped a two-run single to increase the Yankees lead to 3-0.

Shortstop Didi Gregorius got in on the action next, as he launched a two-run missile to right field that still hasn't landed to give New York a 5-0 lead. And then, just for good measure, first baseman Chris Carter added an RBI single to push the Bronx Bombers' advantage to 6-0 after just one inning.

The Yankees never looked back. Castro ripped a three-run homer in the bottom of the second inning, while Holliday added a three-run dinger of his own in the bottom of the fourth inning. Sanchez recorded New York's fifth and final home run of the evening in the bottom of the eighth inning.

“We put a lot of pressure on the other team’s pitching, for the fact we have a lot of guys that can hurt ’em,” Holliday said. “Every inning you have a chance to score runs, and pitchers really don’t haven’t much of a place to hide.”

When the smoke had cleared, the Yankees pulverized their AL East foes by 13 runs. Luis Severino (5-2) got the victory after giving up only two hits and one earned run in seven innings of action. Severino struck out eight Orioles along the way.