FSL1 Daytona Tortugas

Clementina's Clouts Not Enough in 11-9 Loss

Published on June 30, 2019 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Daytona Tortugas News Release


DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - C Hendrik Clementina demolished a pair of home runs, but the Dunedin Blue Jays outslugged the Daytona Tortugas, 11-9, in front of 1,393 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Sunday evening.

Daytona (5-8, 40-38) got out of the gate hot in the first, putting two on via singles from 3B Alejo López (2-3, R, 2 BB) and SS José García (2-4, 2 R, RBI, BB). With two outs, Clementina (3-5, 2 R, 2 HR, 6 RBI) unraveled a towering drive down the left-field line. The shot hooked around the foul pole for a three-run blast - his seventh of the year - to put the Tortugas ahead, 3-0. Following a 21-minute rain delay, 1B-2B Yonathan Mendoza (2-5, RBI, SO) whacked an RBI single to center to make it a 4-0 affair.

The lead did not last long. In the top of the second, Dunedin (8-4, 49-28) collected five runs to take control. 1B Ryan Noda (1-5, R, 2B, RBI, 2 SO) put the Blue Jays on the board with an RBI double and LF Cal Stevenson (1-4, 2 R, RBI, 2 BB, 2 SO) followed with a run-scoring single to trim the deficit to 4-2. A run-producing single from SS Kevin Vicuña (4-6, 3 R, RBI) and a two-RBI double by 3B Cullen Large (2-6, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 2 SO) capped the frame to put the D-Jays up for the first time, 5-4.

From that point on, the contest was back-and-forth. Daytona regained the advantage in the bottom of the third, as Clementina crushed another blast to left. The 22-year-old's second long ball of the game - this time a two-run shot - put the Tortugas back ahead, 6-5. In the following half-inning, Dunedin tied it at six on another RBI double from Large. Thanks to Clementina, Daytona squeaked back ahead in the fifth courtesy of an RBI single to left.

Clementina finished the game with a career-best stat line. The native of Willemstad, Curaçao collected a career-high six runs batted in and matched a personal best with two home runs. Clementina had not homered twice in a contest since he did so for Low-A Dayton on May 4, 2018, at Clinton. Additionally, the two home run performance was the first by a Tortugas player this season.

With the Tortugas leading 7-6, the Blue Jays snatched the lead for good in the top of the sixth. A RF Demi Orimoloye (1-4, R, 2 RBI, BB, 2 SO) two-run knock gave Dunedin the lead back, 8-7. Later in the attack, DH Kacy Clemens (1-4, R, HR, 2 RBI, BB) posted his third home run of the series with a two-run dinger to left. His fourth longball of the campaign pushed the D-Jays up by three, 10-7.

After the Blue Jays tacked on another run in the seventh via a fielder's choice and a throwing error, Daytona made one last push in the bottom of the eighth.

The Tortugas crawled back to within two, 11-9, thanks to an RBI single from CF Andy Sugilio (1-5, RBI, 2 SO) and a run-scoring fielder's choice by Garcia, but that was as close as they would get.

Despite surrendering seven runs in five innings, RHP Máximo Castillo (5.0 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 3 BB, 5 SO) collected his fourth victory of the year. RHP Brad Wilson (1.2 IP, BB, 2 SO) entered in the eighth and registered the final five outs to garner his eighth save.

It was another rough night out of the bullpen for RHP Aneurys Zabala (1.0+ IP, 4 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO). The 22-year-old yielded the lead in the sixth and was saddled with his second defeat. RHP Mac Sceroler (3.0 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 2 SO) was chased after three innings in a no-decision for the Tortugas.

The nine-game homestand continues on Monday, as the Tampa Tarpons, the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, return to town for a three-game series. It will be a Belly Buster Monday presented by Marco's Pizza at the ballpark. Starting at just $13, fans can enjoy all-you-can-eat hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, and popcorn with their game ticket.

Daytona will attempt to snap a season-long four-game losing streak, as RHP Austin Orewiler (4-6, 3.41 ERA) is slated to take the mound. Tampa is scheduled to counter with RHP Trevor Stephan (0-1, 12.00 ERA).

The Tortugas Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 6:50 p.m. ET, leading up to the 7:05 p.m. ET start at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Monday evening's game can be heard on www.daytonatortugas.com or via the TuneIn Radio and MiLB First Pitch apps.

Multi-game plans and single-game tickets are still currently available and can be purchased online at www.daytonatortugas.com, or by calling the Tortugas' Ticket Office at (386) 257-3172.

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