Four-run second stifles 'Tugas against Cards, 6-2

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Palm Beach erupted for four runs in the top of the second inning and never looked back, as the Cardinals defeated the Daytona Tortugas, 6-2, in front of 1,873 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Friday night.

2B Nick Dunn (2-5, R) started the rally with a one-out knock to left and moved to second on a ground out. Following a walk, C Iván Herrera (3-4, 2 R, RBI, SO) hit a ground ball up the middle. Daytona's SS José García made a great diving stop to his left, but could not make an accurate glove flip to second. Dunn did not stop rounding third and scored on the infield single to put Palm Beach (19-36, 54-65) ahead, 1-0.
LF Cole Kreuter (1-3, R, 2B, 2 RBI, BB, SO) kept the rally rolling by hammering a ball down the line in left. Two runs scored on the 23-year-old's double, extending the Cardinals lead to 3-0. CF Scott Hurst (2-5, 2 RBI, SO) capped the frame with an RBI single to center.
Palm Beach came away with their final two tallies in the sixth and seventh. In the sixth, Herrera singled with one out and scooted to second on a walk to Kreuter. Hurst proceeded to hammer another run-producing knock to center to make it a 5-0 contest. An inning later, 3B Nolan Gorman (1-4, R, 2B, BB, SO) doubled and scored on a two-base hit to center by RF Nick Plummer (1-5, 2B, RBI, SO).
Daytona (24-33, 59-63) finally broke up the shutout in the bottom of the seventh. RF Lorenzo Cedrola (1-3, R, BB, SO) walked, moved to third on a single by LF Drew Mount (2-4, SO) and scored on a fielder's choice off the bat of C Mark Kolozsvary (0-2, RBI, 2 BB, SO). The Tortugas made it 6-2 in the eighth, as DH Hendrik Clementina (0-3, R, SO) was hit by a pitch, advanced into scoring position on a wild pitch and later crossed the dish on a single to right by 1B Bruce Yari (1-3, RBI, BB).
RHP Álvaro Seijas (5.0 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, SO) tossed five frames of scoreless ball for Palm Beach en route to his third Florida State League victory. Daytona's RHP Aaron Fossas (5.0 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO) suffered just the one rough inning but was saddled with his second defeat.
Fans are encouraged to bring their happy little smiles to the ballpark on a Shell-tastic Saturday, as we continue one of the best promotions in baseball with our Bob Ross Night 3.0. Limited tickets are still available for the VIP Package which features a pre-game painting class led by Bob Ross Certified Instructors, two drink vouchers, tickets to the game, and a guaranteed Bob Ross bobblehead. The package is $50. Additionally, the first 1,000 fans through the gates that night will receive a Bob Ross bobblehead presented by Bob Ross, Inc. The entertainment continues following the final out, as the Tortugas put on another splendid Postgame Fireworks show.
Daytona's strikeout leader - RHP Mac Sceroler (4-3, 3.86 ERA) - is expected to take the mound for Daytona on Saturday night. RHP Griffin Roberts (1-7, 6.44 ERA) - St. Louis' No. 27 prospect according to Baseball America - is scheduled to get the ball for Palm Beach.
The Tortugas Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 6:50 p.m. ET, leading up to the 7:05 p.m. ET start at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Saturday evening's contest can be heard on www.daytonatortugas.com or via the TuneIn Radio and MiLB First Pitch apps.
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.