Cards Blank Tortugas in Series Opener, 3-0
Published on April 8, 2019 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Daytona Tortugas News Release
JUPITER, Fla. - After back-to-back road wins on Saturday and Sunday, the Daytona bats just could not find the same rhythm on Monday evening. Thanks to a pair of home runs, the Palm Beach Cardinals blanked the Tortugas, 3-0, at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in game one of the series.
After Daytona (2-3) went down in order in the first, Palm Beach (4-1) wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in the bottom of the inning. RF Justin Toerner (3-4, R, 2B) led off the frame with by bouncing a ground-rule double over the wall in right. On a 3-1 pitch, CF Chase Pinder (1-4, R, HR, 2 RBI, SO) socked a deep drive to left. The blast sailed over the fence for a two-run home run - his first of the season - to put the Redbirds ahead, 2-0.
The score remained unchanged until Palm Beach utilized the gopher ball again in the fourth. LF Nick Plummer (1-3, R, HR, RBI, 2 SO) strolled to the dish with no one on and two outs and promptly cracked an 0-2 offering to deep left. His shot flew out of the ballpark for his first dinger of the season, stretching the Cardinals advantage to 3-0.
Throughout the night, Daytona's bats were stifled. The Tortugas best chance to score came in the top of the third when they loaded the bases with two outs courtesy of a bunt single and a pair of walks. 2B Alejo Lopez (0-4, SO) slapped a grounder over the first-base bag, but 1B Zach Kirtley (0-4, SO) made a diving stop and beat the speedy infielder to the base to end the rally.
RHP Michael Byrne (4.0 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, SO) suffered the loss in his first professional start, surrendering all three of Palm Beach's runs. The Cardinals' RHP Angel Rondon (5.0 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 6 SO) shined in his Florida State League debut, hurling five scoreless innings to earn his first win. RHP Ronnie Williams (1.0 IP, H, 2 SO) pitched a scoreless ninth inning to collect his first save.
Despite the loss, the Tortugas' bullpen looked impressive. RHP Austin Orewiler (2.0 IP, H, BB, 3 SO) and RHP Ryan Olson (2.0 IP, H, 3 SO) combined to post four innings of shutout relief, striking out six.
The Tortugas will look to even the series on Tuesday, as LHP Reiver Sanmartin (0-0, 0.00 ERA) is slated to make his second start of the season. Palm Beach is expected to counter with St. Louis' No. 20 prospect according to Baseball America, RHP Johan Oviedo (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
The Tortugas Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 6:15 p.m. ET, leading up to the 6:30 p.m. ET start at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Tuesday evening's contest can be heard on daytonatortugas.com or via the TuneIn Radio and MiLB First Pitch apps.
Following the road trip, the Tortugas will return home to open up a three-game homestand against the Tampa Tarpons, High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, on Friday, April 12. That night, Daytona will kick start its Jackie Robinson Weekend by wearing special No. 9 uniforms - the number Jackie wore during his history-making debut on City Island in 1946 - as part of the team's Best Dressed Friday series. It will also be the Tortugas' Friday Night Done Right, as the organization partners with One Voice for Volusia to recognize local children and heroes who continue to break barriers. Fans are encouraged to stick around until the final out, as they will be treated a spectacular Postgame Fireworks show after the game.
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.
Florida State League Stories from April 8, 2019
- Threshers Drop Series Opener against Flying Tigers - Clearwater Threshers
- Tarpons Blanked by Mets in Series-Opener - Tampa Tarpons
- Marauders Silence Stone Crabs 6-1 - Charlotte Stone Crabs
- Blankenhorn Homers, But Miracle Drop Series Opener - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Mets Record Second Straight Shutout, Sink Tarpons 2-0 - St. Lucie Mets
- Cards Blank Tortugas in Series Opener, 3-0 - Daytona Tortugas
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
