Tortugas take Jays to school on Education Day, 3-1

Daytona scores two runs in the seventh to earn their fifth-straight win

RHP John Ghyzel stranded a pair of inherited runners and hurled 1.2 innings of scoreless relief to earn his first win of the year, as Daytona bested Dunedin, 3-1, in front of 2,388 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Tuesday afternoon. (Aldrin Capulong)

By Justin Rocke

April 23, 2019

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Behind 5.2 scoreless innings from the bullpen, the Tortugas rallied to score two runs in the bottom of the seventh to capture their fifth-consecutive victory, as Daytona topped the Dunedin Blue Jays, 3-1, in front of 2,388 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Tuesday afternoon.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Behind 5.2 scoreless innings from the bullpen, the Tortugas rallied to score two runs in the bottom of the seventh to capture their fifth-consecutive victory, as Daytona topped the Dunedin Blue Jays, 3-1, in front of 2,388 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Tuesday afternoon.

Tied at one, 2B Alejo Lopez (1-3, R, 2B) started the seventh with a double down the left-field line. The 22-year-old would advance to third on a 3B Jonathan India (1-3, R) single to left. After India scooted to second on a wild pitch, RHP Dany Jimenez (1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, BB, 2 SO) uncorked another wild offering to the plate. The errant pitch enabled Lopez to score, as Daytona jumped ahead, 2-1. Following a walk, CF Lorenzo Cedrola (0-2, RBI, SO) lofted a sacrifice fly to left to bring home another tally and extend the Tortugas' lead to 3-1.
RHP Wendolyn Bautista (2.0 IP, H, BB, 3 SO) entered in the eighth and shut the door on the Blue Jays. The 26-year-old surrendered a ground-rule double and a walk but punched out three Dunedin hitters to garner his fourth save of the campaign.
Scoreless through two innings, the D-Jays got on the board first in the top of the third. DH Norberto Obeso (1-3, R, 3B, BB) began the frame with a triple to right after the fly ball got lost in the sun. A pair of strikeouts and a walk followed to set the stage for 3B Cullen Large (1-5, RBI, SO). The Richmond, Va. native roped a liner into right for a run-scoring single, putting the Blue Jays up 1-0.
The lead was shortlived, as Daytona tied the score back up one batter into the bottom of the inning. On a 1-1 pitch, C Mark Kolozsvary (1-3, R, HR, RBI, SO) hit a screaming liner that carried over the fence in left for a solo home run. The blast - his first of the year - knotted the contest up at one.
Neither starter received a decision on Tuesday. RHP Austin Orewiler (3.1 IP, 4 H, R, ER, 3 BB, 4 SO) failed to make it out of the fourth for the Tortugas. Dunedin's LHP Nick Allgeyer (6.0 IP, 2 H, R, ER, 4 SO) retired the last 12 men he faced in his no-decision.
RHP John Ghyzel (1.2 IP, H, BB, SO) entered with a pair of men on base and stranded both, finishing his day with 1.2 scoreless innings. The 22-year-old went on to win his first game of the season. Jimenez (1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, BB, 2 SO) yielded the go-ahead runs in the seventh, suffering his first defeat for the Blue Jays.
The Tortugas will attempt to earn their second straight series sweep on Wednesday, as RHP Michael Byrne (1-1, 4.85 ERA) is expected to make the start. Dunedin is slated to send RHP Turner Larkins (2-1, 1.69 ERA) to the bump in the finale.
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. Wednesday evening's game can be heard on daytonatortugas.com or via the TuneIn Radio and MiLB First Pitch apps.
It will be a trio of firsts for 2019 at The Jack on Wednesday. Tomorrow night's contest will mark the first Silver Sluggers Night presented by MetCare of the campaign. It will also be the Tortugas' first Wishful Wednesday presented by VyStar Credit Union. Like every Wednesday ballgame, the organization will partner with a local charity to raise money and awareness, while also celebrating their hard work in the community. Fans are encouraged to bring their four-legged friends to park, as well, for the initial Bark in the Park Night presented by NextHome at the Beach. For just $2 fans can purchase a "pooch pass" to have their dog accompany them on their "nine-inning vacation".
Season ticket and multi-game plans 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.