Howard deals, Ramirez homers in 'Tugas win

Combines with Astin, Muhammad and Mitchell for three-hit shutout

By Tyler Murray

April 12, 2015

Viera, FL - Another night, another big-name prospect on the hill. On Sunday, the Tortugas sent RHP Nick Howard (the 19th overall pick in last year's draft) to the mound for his Advanced-A debut. He did not dissapoint, leading the Tortugas (2-1) to a combined three-hit shutout and a 2-0 win over the Brevard County Manatees (1-2) at Space Coast Stadium.

Howard surrendered just two hits in five strong innings, working around four walks and striking out three hitters. Only one Manatee made it past second base against the right-hander. That rally came in the third inning, with the Tortugas leading 1-0. Omar Garcia drew a leadoff walk, then stole second and third base before Chris McFarland walked to put runners on the corners.

Brevard County then attempted a double steal, which proved to be ill-advised. McFarland broke for second, while C Cam Maron threw to 2B Robert Ramirez. Ramirez cut off the throw, and fired back home to nail Garcia at the plate and preserve the narrow lead.

The Tortugas had taken the early advantage on a first-inning blast by Ramirez, a towering solo homer over the right field fence against Javier Salas (L, 0-1). They added to the lead in the fourth, when CF Phillip Ervin reached base on a throwing error by shortstop Angel Ortega. Ervin stole second base, moved to third on a throwing error by catcher Cam Garfield, and scored on a 1B Chad Wallach sac fly.

Daytona wouldn't need much more run support, thanks to a dominant performance from the bullpen. RHP Barrett Astin (H, 1), RHP El'Hajj Muhammad (H, 1) and RHP Evan Mitchell (S, 2) allowed just one combined baserunner over the final four innings, and each pitcher tallied a strikeout.

Brevard County's bullpen was equally as impressive; Clint Terry surrendered just two singles in three innings, issuing no walks and striking out five hitters. Scott Lieser followed with a perfect ninth, racking up a pair of strikeouts.

The two teams combined to go 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position, and each left five runners on base. DH Jeff Gelalich reached base twice with a walk and a single and stole a pair of bases as well.

The Tortugas will travel to Port Charlotte on Monday to start a four-game series with the Stone Crabs. Monday and Tuesday's games will be played at Charlotte Sports Park, and the Tortugas will host Wednesday and Thursday's matchups.