Early Four-Run Lead Dissipates as Tortugas Are Swept in Lakeland

LAKELAND, FL—The Daytona Tortugas scored four runs in the first inning, but failed to score the rest of the way as the Lakeland Flying Tigers overtook the Tortugas to sweep the six-game series with a 7-4 victory on Sunday afternoon at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium.

Lakeland (21-9, 47-48) recorded only three hits, but took advantage of 11 walks from Daytona (11-17, 40-53) pitching to earn the win, capping off a week where the Flying Tigers outscored the Tortugas 58-24.

The Tortugas jumped ahead right away with a big first inning against Lakeland starter Jake Miller. A walk and fielder’s choice opened the game, but four straight hits followed, with singles by Yassel Pino, Cam Collier, and Johnny Ascanio all bringing in runs. Juan Garcia capped off the rally with a sacrifice fly, putting Daytona ahead 4-0.

Lakeland, though, got a pair of those runs back against Ryan Cardona. A pair of walks set the stage for Mike Rothenberg, who dumped an RBI single to right-center. With runners on the corners, the Flying Tigers stole a run by baiting a throw to second on a stolen base attempt, then scoring Jose De La Cruz while Rothenberg was in a rundown, trimming the deficit to 4-2.

After that, both starters settled down, with both throwing scoreless second and third frames. In the fourth, though, things changed.

A leadoff single, an error, and a one-out walked loaded the bases. Archer Brookman then drew a bases-loaded walk, which was immediately followed with a single by J.D. McLaughlin to tie the game. Christian Santana then drew another walk with the bases full, pushing Lakeland in front. A sacrifice fly from Max Anderson brought in the fourth run of the inning, capping a frame where Lakeland sent all nine batters to the plate to take a 6-4 lead.

Jacob Heatherly came on and spun a 1-2-3 fifth, but returned for the sixth and ran into trouble, walking three straight batters to load the bases. However, after a sacrifice fly brought in a run, Heatherly struck out the next two to end the inning, with the second punchout highlighted by ejections of batter Andrew Jenkins and Lakeland hitting coach Nick Bredeson. The run, though, extended the Lakeland lead to 7-4.

After not recording a hit between the third and seventh innings, the Tortugas offense showed some life over the last two innings, recording two hits in each inning. However, despite having two on with one out in the eighth and second and third with one down in the ninth, Daytona failed to score each time, as Lakeland finished off the sweep with a 7-4 victory.

The Tortugas will have Monday off before returning home to begin a six-game series on Tuesday night against the St. Lucie Mets. Tuesday will be Silver Sluggers Tuesday as well as Breast Cancer Awareness Night. First pitch from Jackie Robinson Ballpark will be at 6:35 p.m. with pregame coverage with the voice of the Tortugas, Brennan Mense, beginning at 6:20 p.m. on the Tortugas Radio Network.

Daytona Tortugas single-game tickets and ticket packages are on sale now at daytonatortugas.com, (386) 257-3172, or the box office at 110 East Orange Ave.

ABOUT THE DAYTONA TORTUGAS

The Daytona Tortugas are the Single-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of Minor League Baseball’s Florida State League. The Tortugas play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in downtown Daytona Beach, Fla. Jackie Robinson Ballpark also plays host to Bethune-Cookman University, the Jackie Robinson Ballpark Museum, and many community events and initiatives of all sizes throughout the year.