Tortugas trample Threshers in series opener, 6-1
CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Tortugas did it all en route to a series-opening victory on Tuesday night. DH Ruben Ibarra registered his first career multi-home run game, SS Gus Steiger garnered a career-high four hits and reached base five times, while RHPs Reynardo Cruz, Julian Aguiar, and Owen Holt combined
CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Tortugas did it all en route to a series-opening victory on Tuesday night. DH Ruben Ibarra registered his first career multi-home run game, SS Gus Steiger garnered a career-high four hits and reached base five times, while RHPs Reynardo Cruz, Julian Aguiar, and Owen Holt combined on a five-hitter, as Daytona tripped up the Clearwater Threshers, 6-1, at BayCare Ballpark.
Clearwater (13-12) jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the first. 3B Kendall Simmons (1-3, BB, SO) started the home first with a single to center but was erased on a fielder's choice off the bat of CF Yhoswar García (0-3, R, BB, SO). After García swiped second base, the speedster was awarded third base on a balk. 2B Hao Yu Lee (1-4, RBI) scored the runner and put the Threshers ahead with an RBI single to center.
In the top of the third, Daytona (13-15) jumped ahead for good. 3B Reyny Reyes (1-4, R, SO) and C Wilfred Astudillo (2-4, R) ignited a rally with consecutive hits to start the frame, while Steiger (4-4, R, 3 2B, BB) earned a walk to load the bases. RF Austin Hendrick (1-5, RBI, 3 SO) tied the score with a ringing base-hit into right, but Astudillo was thrown out trying to score the go-ahead run from second. Steiger took third, while Hendrick advanced to second on the throw.
Tied at one, CF Jay Allen II (0-3, RBI, BB) re-loaded the bags with another free pass. LF Jamal O'Guinn (0-4, RBI, SO) followed by slicing a liner into center that was run down. Steiger tagged and scored from third, but Hendrick was caught too far off second base and was tagged out to end the inning. The Spring Park, Minn. crossed the dish before the out was recorded though, giving O'Guinn credit for a sacrifice fly and putting the Tortugas in front, 2-1.
An inning later, Daytona started utilizing the long ball. On a 1-2 pitch to start the top of the fourth, Ibarra (2-4, 2 R, 2 HR, 2 RBI) unfurled a laser beam that snuck out beyond the left-field wall in the blink of an eye. The 2021 fourth-round pick's shot sailed out of the yard in 3.3 seconds at 113 mph for a solo home run, his second of the year. Ibarra's blast pushed the 'Tugas cushion to two, 3-1.
In the sixth, it was 2B Steven Leyton's (1-4, R, HR, RBI) turn to give one a ride. With the bases empty and two out, the León, Nicaragua native punched a fly ball that landed in Clearwater's left-field bullpen for a solo shot. Leyton's first home run of the year padded Daytona's lead to 4-1.
Ibarra came back for more in the eighth. The 23-year-old pummeled a 2-1 delivery on a line off the concrete wall beyond the right-field berm for his second home run of the night. Ibarra's third blast of the season and second of the night made it a four-run contest, 5-1.
Daytona tacked on one more insurance run in the ninth. Astudillo leadoff the frame with a knock and quickly moved to third on Steiger's third double of the night. Following a strikeout, Allen hit a ground ball up the middle that was prevented from rolling into center on a backhanded stab. Steiger was tagged out in a rundown between second and third, but Astudillo crossed on the fielder's choice, granting the 'Tugas a 6-1 edge.
Holt (1.0 IP, 2 H, SO) entered in the bottom of the ninth for Daytona and scattered a pair of singles to close out the series-opening triumph.
Cruz (4.0 IP, 2 H, R, ER, BB, 2 SO) settled down after yielding a run in the first and posted a season-high four innings of work in a no-decision. Aguiar (4.0 IP, H, BB, 4 SO) came on in support and was as close to unhittable as could be. The 20-year-old yielded one hit and struck out four en route to his second victory of the campaign.
RHP Oswald Medina (4.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, BB, 2 SO) surrendered three runs over four innings for the Threshers, suffering his second defeat of the year.
The Tortugas will attempt to continue their winning ways on Wednesday. RHP Alex Johnson (1-1, 2.87) is anticipated to make his third start of the year for Daytona. Clearwater is expected to counter with LHP Gabriel Cotto (1-0, 3.94). Coverage on the Tortugas Radio Network will begin on the MiLB First Pitch app and www.daytonatortugas.com at 6:15 p.m. leading up to the 6:30 p.m. first pitch from Bay Care Ballpark.
After the six-game road swing, the Tortugas will return to Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Tuesday, May 17, to open up a series against the Dunedin Blue Jays, the Florida State League affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. It will be a Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Radiology Associates Imaging. The Tortugas will don special pink-clad uniforms that will be auctioned off at the end of the season with all proceeds to raise money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. It is also a Silver Sluggers Night by Conviva, featuring special team store and concession stand deals for members, plus more. The series opener features Taco Tuesday with options at the concession stands starting at just $3.
Season tickets, multi-game plans, group packages, and single-game tickets are 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 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.
How clubs across Minor League Baseball are celebrating PLAY BALL Weekend
PLAY BALL Weekend is almost here, and Minor League clubs have put together an exciting calendar of events to celebrate MLB’s youth engagement initiative. Some clubs are hosting youth clinics or other events in their home ballparks while others are bringing the joy of baseball and softball into the local
Here are the weirdest plays and stats from MiLB in May
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Podcast features first-base promotions for Caglianone, Eldridge
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Cubs' Rojas, Mets' Tong headline May's Minor League Players of the Month
Minor League Baseball announced the Player and Pitcher of the Month Award winners for May in Major League Baseball’s player development system.
Minor League Baseball, Joe Torre Safe At Home partnership enters ninth year
For the ninth year, Minor League Baseball and Joe Torre Safe At Home have teamed up to raise awareness about violence and abuse and to inspire fans of all ages to join them in SAH’s critical work. This year, 63 MiLB teams will participate in an in-ballpark initiative from May
MiLB podcast discusses Anthony, Caglianone at Triple-A
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
These are the greatest Minor League promos happening in June
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
New playoff format coming to 2025 Dominican Summer League
Minor League Baseball announced the 2025 Dominican Summer League (DSL) season will begin June 2 with Opening Day festivities taking place at the Boston Red Sox Academy in Guerra. The 2025 campaign will also see the introduction of the DSL Cup, a new playoff format that will see 16 DSL
Debating best Minor League home caps on podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
The Omaha Storm Chasers' 'Take Meow-t' cat night included a Litter Box Sundae
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Boston's Triple-A affiliate throws birthday bash for Roman Anthony
With all the hype that has surrounded Roman Anthony over the past two seasons, it’s easy to forget how young he really is. MLB's No. 1 prospect played 70 games at the highest level of the Minors before he could order a beer. But he can now. Roman Anthony turned
Friendly foes, 2024 first-rounders Moore and Caglianone trade first Triple-A homers
For years, Christian Moore and Jac Caglianone laced up their cleats against one another in the SEC. A rivalry that spanned Florida, Tennessee and other landmarks across the South moved to Salt Lake City this week as the Royals and Angels' top prospects got simultaneous Triple-A promotions. So it was
Phillies' Moore, Fausnaught join MiLB podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Red Sox prospect rips double THROUGH Fenway-esque scoreboard
Red Sox No. 4 prospect Franklin Arias, an infielder for High-A Greenville, REALLY didn’t want to let visiting Asheville score any runs in the top of the eighth inning on Friday night. With runners on first and second base in the bottom of the fourth, Arias showed he apparently held
April's hottest hitting prospects -- one for each organization
The Minor League season is a month old and several of the game's best hitting prospects are off to fast starts. Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony is tearing up Triple-A (just like he did at the end of last year), Padres shortstop Leo De Vries is leading the High-A Midwest
Check out the best -- and wackiest -- Minor League promos happening in May
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Orioles' Honeycutt joins The Show Before the Show
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
MiLB podcast coming LIVE to a Somerset this June
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
New ballparks highlight 2025 MiLB road trip stops
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Minor League Baseball partners with TruGreen
FRANKLIN, Tenn. -- TruGreen, the nation's leading lawn care treatment provider, is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Minor League Baseball that includes activations across all 120 clubs, a makeover of the home dugout in each market, sponsorship of select MiLB team grounds crews, and a new initiative called
Podcast explains why the Syracuse Mets are looking for Jim Morrison
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Dash im-prom-tu promo and Mets' Suero joins the podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Minor League Baseball partners with Circle K
Minor League Baseball announced a new national partnership with Circle K, which will see the convenience store giant become the “Official Convenience Store of Minor League Baseball.” During the 2025 season, the Circle K brand will be integrated into the MiLB in-stadium experience through in-game video board assets at most
These 15 moments led to season No. 15 of Minor League road trips
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from his newsletter is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
MiLB podcast crew makes Opening Day predictions
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other