FSL1 Daytona Tortugas

Cubs, Manatees split double dip at Space Coast

Published on July 23, 2005 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Daytona Tortugas News Release


VIERA, Fla-The Brevard County Manatees must get paid time-and-a-half for working overtime, because their knack for playing extra-inning games is slowly reaching legendary status.

For the 13th and 14th times this season, it took extra innings in a Manatees game to decide a winner, as Brevard County and Daytona split a pair of extra-inning affairs at Space Coast Stadium in the second and third games of a four-game set on Friday night.

In a classic Eastern Division duel it was the Cubs who made the early statement as they raced to the finish line in the tenth inning of the first contest to win by a score of 8-0, followed by Manatee revenge in the second game as they edged Daytona in the 11th frame by a final of 2-1.

The first contest was a continuation of Game 2 on Thursday when the action was halted in the bottom half of the sixth inning with the game tied at 0-0 when a light tower malfunctioned and caused the game to be postponed.

The Cubs sent righty Lee Gwaltney to the hill to carry the torch that starter Randy Wells had lit the night before, and Gwaltney was every bit as dominant as he struck out four in two unblemished innings of work. Daytona relievers Clay Rapada (1-2) and Nate Sevier then came in to quiet the Manatees attack for three scoreless innings down the stretch while Daytona got the bats going at the plate.

The boys in blue banged out eight runs on eight hits off of Manatees reliever Darwin Soto (0-1) in the 10th inning, highlighted by back-to-back RBI doubles from catcher Jake Fox and outfielder Jeff Culpepper, as the Cubs cruised past Brevard County for the victory to even the series at 1-1.

The Manatees refused to end the night quietly however as pitching once again took center stage in the back end of the double-header between the two rivals.

Brevard County starter Carlos Villanueva tossed seven innings and surrendered just one run on four hits while he struck out 10 Cubs in the no-decision, while Cubs lefty Yorkin Ferreras got the nod and also was stellar in six innings of work as he gave up just one run on five hits before giving way to the Daytona ‘pen.

The Manatees finally ended a streak of 21 straight scoreless innings at the plate in the series as a single from left fielder Drew Anderson in the sixth inning scored right fielder Travis Ezi to tie the game at 1-1. Then Brevard County administered the crushing blow in the 11th when centerfielder Steve Moss singled to left field to plate Anderson with game-winning run as he secured the win and gave the Manatees a 2-1 series advantage.

Cubs southpaw Jordan Gerk (2-4) was charged with the loss after giving up the winning run, and Manatees reliever Jeremy Lewis (5-5) was credited with the win after pitching a scoreless 11th to keep Daytona in check.

With the split, the Cubs are now 9-18 on the second half as Brevard County kept their place atop the East with a record of 17-10.

The two teams will finish up their four-game set as they head up I-95 to Jackie Robinson Ballpark for the finale on Saturday night. The Cubs will send righty Juan Mateo (7-4, 4.22 ERA) to the mound to face Manatees righty Luis Pena (2-6, 4.77 ERA).

First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. EST.

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Florida State League Stories from July 23, 2005


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