Tortugas overpowered by Yankees in 12-7 L

Tampa, FL - The Daytona Tortugas fell behind 12-1 after three rough innings at Steinbrenner Field, and could not overcome the massive deficit in a 12-7 loss to the Tampa Yankees. 

RHP Nick Howard (L, 2-1) found himself in trouble on the mound early and often. Howard was only able to get through two innings and allowed five runs on two hits. He also walked four batters and took his first loss of the year. 

The Yankees plated four runs in the first when Howard hit a batter and walked three others. Ericsson Leonora then had a bases clearing double to put the Yankees up 4-0 early. They would add another run in the second inning before exploding in the next frame. 

In the third, Howard was replaced by LHP Joel Bender who let in seven runs on seven hits, although only five of those runs were earned. After that rocky frame, Bender was tremendous. He allowed just one hit in his final three innings, and combined with LHP Blaine Howell and RHP Evan Mitchell to retire 14 of the last 15 Yankee batters. 

There were some bright points on the offensive end, as the Tortugas scored six unanswered runs to narrow the deficit. 3B Sammy Diaz went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer (his first of the season) and an RBI single. DH Joe Hudson knocked in two runs as well, and SS Alex Blandino went deep for the first time this season with a liner to left. 

The Tortugas will look to avoid the sweep on Saturday night with Jackson Stephens facing off against Rookie Davis. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.