FSL1 Daytona Tortugas

Cubs play spoilers in double-header

Published on September 3, 2005 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Daytona Tortugas News Release


DAYTONA BEACH, Fla - As the old saying goes: "Misery loves company," and apparently the same holds true in the Florida State League Eastern Division.

Just one day after the Daytona Cubs were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs after a Vero Beach Dodger loss on Friday night, the Cubs decided to add another friendly foe to list of the post-season deceased.

The Cubs utilized a strong performance from lefty J.R. Mathes and a collection of outstanding pitching efforts from several Daytona newcomers, as the Cubs took both ends of a double-header on Saturday at Jackie Robinson Ballpark against the Brevard County Manatees, winning by finals of 4-3 in the first contest and 2-1 in the finale.

The two victories eliminated Brevard County from the Eastern Division race as the Manatees came into the afternoon 1.5 games behind Palm Beach with three to play.

First, it was Mathes (11-8) who made the most of his final regular season start as he went 5.2 innings in the first game and held the Manatee attack to three earned runs, while he struck out three to notch his 11th win of the season.

The Daytona offensive charge was led by both third baseman Scott Moore who went 2-for-2 with a double and a run scored, and Brian Dopirak who stoked a two-run homerun to left field in the first inning to set the tone.

Manatees southpaw Ryan Costello (6-6) went he distance going all six innings but was charged with the loss after surrendering four earned runs on five hits.

In the second game of the evening, the Cubs welcomed highly touted prospect Sean Gallagher to Daytona as the righty made his first start since being called up from Low-A Peoria. Gallagher went five strong innings of one-run six-hit ball as he struck out seven in the no-decision.

Gallagher then received bullpen help from two familiar arms, as newcomers Tim Layden (5-4) and Michael Phelps finished the final two innings to nail down the win and the double-header sweep.

Chris Walker stole the show-literally-as he went 1-for-3 with a double, a run scored and three stolen bases to raise his league-leading total to 59 with one game left to play.

With the victories the Cubs improved to 34-33 and have gone about the .500 level in winning percentage for the first time in the second half since they were 2-1 on June 22nd.

The final game of the regular season is set for Sunday at "The Jack," as Daytona will send righty Matt Weber (0-1, 2.70 ERA) to the hill to make his second start, as he goes toe-to-toe with Brevard County Manatee right-hander and local Ormond Beach product Bo Hall (2-3, 4.04 ERA).

First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. EST.

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Florida State League Stories from September 3, 2005


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