Blue Jays Fall 7-2 in Opener against Tarpons
July 2, 2018 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Dunedin Blue Jays News Release
After scoring 29 runs on 43 hits in three games against the Bradenton Marauders over the weekend, the Blue Jays weren't able to match their recent offensive outburst on Monday night against the Tarpons, falling 7-2. DH Ivan Castillo was the lone offensive bright spot, going 2-for-4 with his first home run of the season.
Tampa got on the board first in the third, using a single by David Metzgar, a hit by pitch, a wild pitch, and a sacrifice fly to go up 1-0. Castillo evened the score in the fourth with his homer, a line drive shot over the tall wall in right.
Tampa used a pair of walks, two doubles, and two singles to score five times in the fifth inning. Four of the runs were charged to starter LHP Angel Perdomo, who finished the night with a final line of 4.2 innings pitched, six hits, five runs, two walks, and five strikeouts. RHP Jonny Cheshire absorbed the other run, but proceeded to hold the Tarpons scoreless in the sixth and the seventh, finishing his night with five strikeouts in 2.1 innings pitched.
Castillo and 1B Kacy Clemens each singled with one out in the sixth. A missed catch error by Tampa's first baseman allowed Castillo to score from second on what could have been an inning ending double play, as the relay throw from second popped out of his glove and caromed into foul territory.
The Tarpons tacked on an insurance run in the eighth to take a 7-2 lead on a sacrifice fly by Metzgar. RHP Adonis Rosa picked up the win, allowing one run over 5.0 innings while striking out eight. Trevor Lane and Andrew Schwaab combined to throw the game's final four innings for the Tarpons, striking out seven while allowing just the unearned run in the sixth.
The win drops Dunedin's second half record to 5-6 and their overall record to 36-43. The two teams will finish their quick two-game set at Dunedin Stadium tomorrow evening during the Blue Jays' annual Hometown USA celebration featuring FREE baseball, fireworks, and a concert.
Note: After a frightening collision with SS Diego Castillo in the bottom of the seventh inning, Tampa LF Alexander Palma left the field in an ambulance with an apparent leg injury. The Blue Jays staff extends their thoughts to Alexander as he recovers.
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