Bradenton, rain rattle Daytona, 9-3

BRADENTON, Fla. - SS José García continued his red-hot August with three more hits, but Bradenton scored five in the first and four in the second, as the Marauders defeated the Daytona Tortugas, 9-3, in a seven-inning, rain-shortened contest on Saturday night at LECOM Park.

For the second straight night, Daytona (27-37, 62-67) got off to a strong start. Following a leadoff double by 3B Alejo López (1-4, R, 2B, SO), García (3-4, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI) ripped a base-hit into left. López crossed on the single to put the Tortugas ahead, 1-0. The 21-year-old proceeded to swipe second and then was driven home to make it 2-0 on an RBI single to left by DH Hendrik Clementina (1-3, RBI).
However, the good vibes did not last long, as Bradenton (34-29, 70-59) exploded in the bottom half. Back-to-back singles from RF Cal Mitchell (1-3, R, RBI, BB, 2 SO) and CF Travis Swaggerty (1-4, R) started the rally, as the former scored to make it a one-run game on a fielder's choice and a missed catch error. 
Things unraveled with one out when DH Lucas Tancas (2-4, 2 R, HR, 4 RBI, SO) drove a ball onto the boardwalk to the left of the batter's eye in dead center. His three-run home run put the Marauders ahead by three, 4-2. A bases-loaded walk to Mitchell later in the stanza capped the five-tally inning.
The Marauders kept their offensive juggernaut rolling in the second. After a leadoff single, SS Rodolfo Castro (2-4, R, 2B, RBI) and Tancas uncorked an RBI double and single, respectively, to extend Bradenton's advantage to five, 7-2. A two-RBI triple by LF Lolo Sánchez (1-2, 3B, 2 RBI, SO) rounded out the four-run frame, giving the black and gold a staggering 9-2 advantage.
Daytona would muster the final run of the game in the top of the third. García hammered the first pitch he saw on top of the netting by the Tortugas' bullpen in left. The Havana, Cuba native's seventh home run of the season made it a 9-3 affair, but that was as close as it would get.
After the top of the seventh, the heavens opened up and left LECOM Park's field unplayable. The contest was waved off by the umpires following a 30-minute delay.
RHP Gavin Wallace (5.0 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 SO) yielded three runs over five innings for Bradenton, earning his fifth win of the campaign. Daytona's RHP Austin Orewiler (2.0 IP, 8 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 3 BB, 2 SO) was saddled with his 10th defeat.
RHP Jared Solomon (1-8, 4.48 ERA) - Cincinnati's No. 23 prospect according to MLBPipeline.com - is expected to take the mound for the 'Tugas on Sunday, as they attempt to avoid the series sweep. The Marauders are scheduled to counter with RHP Aaron Shortridge (9-4, 3.10 ERA), Pittsburgh's No. 25 farmhand according to the same publication.
The Tortugas Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 12:45 p.m. ET, leading up to the 1:00 p.m. ET start at LECOM Park. Sunday afternoon's matinee can be heard on www.daytonatortugas.com or via the TuneIn Radio and MiLB First Pitch apps.
Following the final road trip of the season, Daytona will return to The Jack to open up a seven-game homestand and four-game set against the St. Lucie Mets, the High-A affiliate of the New York Mets. It will be a Belly Buster Monday at the ballpark, presented by Marco's Pizza. Starting at just $13, fans can enjoy all-you-can-eat hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, and popcorn throughout the evening.
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.