Four-run ninth bedevils Tortugas in 8-7 loss

TAMPA, Fla. - Tampa scored two in the eighth and four in the ninth, as the Tarpons stormed back to befuddle the Daytona Tortugas in walk-off fashion, 8-7, on Monday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Daytona (15-18, 50-48) maintained a 7-4 heading into the ninth, but C Donny Sands (1-4, R, 2B, SO) doubled and RF Leonardo Molina (2-4, 2 R, 2B, RBI) singled to put runners at the corners and bring the tying run to the plate. Back-to-back walks to 3B Kyle Gray (1-3, R, RBI, BB) and pinch-hitter Oswaldo Cabrera (0-0, R, RBI, BB) forced home a run to pull Tampa (16-17, 44-55) within two, 7-5.
Things did not get better from there. A fielding error enabled Molina to score, drawing the Tarpons back within one, 7-6, while a fielder's choice from DH Alexander Palma (1-5, 2 RBI, 2 SO) chased in another tally to knot the contest up at seven apiece. 
Following yet another walk to load the bases, 2B Diego Castillo (1-5, RBI, 2 SO) smashed an 0-2 pitch over the left fielder's head for a walk-off RBI single, giving Tampa the 8-7 victory.
The Tarpons initially snagged a 2-0 lead in the second, scoring via an RBI double to center by Molina and a run-producing single to right-center from Gray.
Daytona's offense sprung to life from there. The Tortugas snatched three in the top of the fourth to take the lead, scoring on an RBI single from RF Michael Beltré (1-4, 2 R, RBI, BB, 2 SO), a fielder's choice and fielding error off the bat of 2B Alejo López (0-4, R, RBI, BB, SO), and a sacrifice fly to left-center by 1B Bruce Yari (1-3, R, RBI).
In front 3-2, the Tortugas added another three-spot on the scoreboard in the sixth. Two runs came in courtesy of a fielding error that came off the bat of DH Lorenzo Cedrola (1-4, R, SO) and a third was pushed across on a bases-loaded free pass to CF Andy Sugilio (0-3, R, RBI, 2 BB, SO). Daytona added one more, making it 7-2, in the seventh courtesy of yet another fielding error.
Tampa was able to trim the lead down to three, 7-4, in the eighth on an RBI single by Palma and a double-play ball off the lumber of Castillo.
RHP Kyle Zurak (2.1 IP, BB, SO) did not yield a hit over his 2.1 innings of work, collecting his third win in relief for Tampa. LHP Andy Cox (0.1 IP, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB) suffered his third defeat and blown save for Daytona.
Neither starter received a decision on Monday night. Tortugas' RHP Mac Sceroler (5.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, BB, 5 SO) punched out five over five innings, while Tarpons' RHP Clarke Schmidt (5.1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 SO) whiffed six.
Daytona will try and find a better result on Tuesday. RHP Austin Orewiler (7-7, 3.21 ERA) is scheduled to take the hill for the 'Tugas in game two of the series. Tampa is projected to counter with RHP Miguel Yajure (6-6, 2.27 ERA).
The Tortugas Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 6:15 p.m. ET, leading up to the 6:30 p.m. ET start at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Tuesday evening's contest can be heard on www.daytonatortugas.com or via the TuneIn Radio and MiLB First Pitch apps.
Following the lengthy road trip, the Tortugas will return to The Jack to open up a three-contest set against the St. Lucie Mets, the High-A affiliate of the New York Mets, on Friday, August 2. Daytona continues its Best Dressed Friday series, as players and coaches will don special uniforms in honor of the 25th anniversary of comedy classic, "Dumb and Dumber". Those jerseys will be auctioned off online throughout the weekend. It will be another Friday Night Happy Hour presented by Kona Brewing with buy-one, get-one Kona beer products and Bud Light from 5:30 p.m. until first pitch. Finally, after the game, fans will be treated to another splendid Postgame Fireworks display.
Multi-game plans and single-game tickets are still currently available and can be purchased online at www.daytonatortugas.com, or by calling the Tortugas' Ticket Office at (386) 257-3172.
ABOUT THE DAYTONA TORTUGAS
The Daytona Tortugas are the High-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of the 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 Beijing Shougang Eagles of National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) and many large community events and initiatives throughout the season.