[Empty Body]
BRADENTON, FL -Chris Okey's home run was all Daytona needed in it's 2-1 victory over Bradenton Thursday night at LECOM Park. Okey hit a two run homer in the second inning and was behind the plate, as three pitchers combined to limit Bradenton to one run.
Okey's home run came off LHP Cam Vieaux with two outs in the second inning. It was his first home run since July 8th and snapped an 0-for-14 drought.
LHP Seth Varner got the ball for Daytona and held Bradenton to just one run over his five plus innings, the longest outing of his season. After allowing three straight singles to open the sixth, Varner gave way to RHP Sandy Lugo. Lugo induced a pair of shallow pop ups to hold the runners, before striking out Christian Kelley looking to end the threat. It was the second time this year that Lugo inherted a bases loaded, no out jam, and did not allow a run.
After issuing a pair of two out walks in the seventh, LHP Joel Bender came on to get Will Craig to ground out.
Bender then worked around a leadoff single in the top of the ninth, to earn his first save since 2015.
Varner (1-2) earned his first win of 2016, by allowing a run and seven hits in five plus innings.
The Tortugas continue the road trip Friday night in Lakeland. LHP Ty Boyles (4-5, 4.02) gets the ball for Daytona in the series opener. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 PM with coverage beginning at 6:20 PM on AM 1230 and AM 1490 WSBB with The Metcare Pregame Show.
NOTES: Daytona has won back-to-back games for the first time in August and the third time since June 4th. Daytona has not won three straight games since June 3-5...It was Bender's first save since April 18, 2015...It was Varners first win since September 4, 2016...Alfredo Rodriguez has hit safely in all eight games against Bradenton this year...James Vasquez has hit safely in 10 straight games, the second longest streak of his career and longest since 2015.
