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Daytona Tortugas

Daytona Falls on Opening Night, 5-4

April 9, 2009 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Daytona Tortugas News Release


VIERA, FL - The Daytona Cubs (0-1) gave up three runs in the final four innings as they fell to the Brevard County Manatees (0-1), 5-4. The Manatees were able to take advantage of three Cubs miscues en route to the victory. Catcher Martin Maldonado brought in Lee Haydel with a sacrifice fly to deep left field in the bottom of the ninth for the walk-off win.

The Manatees opened the scoring in the bottom of the second with two runs off Cubs starter James Leverton. The lefty walked the bases loaded before Manatees catcher Martin Maldonado lined a single into right field to score two runs.

The Cubs answered with two runs off of Manatees starter Josh Butler. Second baseman Marwin Gonzalez led off the fourth inning with a double and moved to third on an infield single by designated hitter Tyler Colvin. Gonzalez was caught in a rundown between third and home on a ground ball by Jovan Rosa. With runners on second and third Dylan Johnston brought in Colvin with a sacrifice fly to left field. First baseman Russ Canzler followed with a double to left-center to score Rosa and tie the ballgame at two.

Daytona tacked on two more runs in the fifth inning. Shortstop Starlin Castro reached with a one-out single and promptly stole second base before moving to third on a fly ball to right field. Gonzalez followed with a beautiful bunt base hit to score Castro. Gonzalez advanced to second on an error by the Manatees' third baseman Zelous Wheeler. Colvin took advantage with a single to left field to score Gonzalez and give the Cubs a 4-2 lead.

The Manatees began their comeback in the top of the sixth inning as shortstop Brent Brewer led off the inning with a double. A ground ball to the right side allowed Brewer to move up 90 feet and he came in on a ground ball to second base to cut the Cubs lead to one.

Cubs' reliever Steve Vento (0-1) came in for the eighth inning and induced a fly ball off the bat of Brewer, but it was mishandled by Johnston in right field. Brewer stole second and advanced to third when the throw down ended up in center field. Brewer tied the ball game up on an RBI ground out by right fielder Caleb Gindl.

The winning pitcher, Mark Willinsky (1-0), put the Cubs down in order in the top of the ninth inning.

In the bottom of the ninth, Haydel led the inning off with a double to right-centerfield. Haydel, who had 34 stolen bases in 2008, flashed his speed with a steal of third. Vento then walked Wheeler before the walk-off sacrifice fly by Maldonado.

The Cubs return to action tomorrow night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark and will look for some revenge against the Manatees. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. with gates opening at 5 p.m.

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