Cubs salvage series split at the Jack
July 23, 2005 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Daytona Tortugas News Release
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla-The Daytona Cubs needed a little boost on Saturday night to help salvage a series split against the first place Brevard County Manatees, and 2,933 screaming fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark were happy to oblige.
In front of a rabid fireworks crowd at "The Jack" the Cubs relied on a pair of solo bombs from right fielder J.J. Johnson and first baseman Brian Dopirak, as well as a rock solid performance from the Daytona pitching staff as they held on to win the series finale over the Manatees by a final of 3-2.
Righty Juan Mateo got the nod for Daytona and went six full innings as he gave up just one earned run on six hits for the no-decision. Cubs reliever Alfredo Polanco (1-1) was credited with his first victory in Daytona after logging 1.2 innings of work in the seventh and eighth as he held Brevard County to one run on two hits.
The Cubs were also led at the plate by newcomer Jeff Culpepper who went 2-for-3 with a pair of base hits and later added a sharp grounder in the seventh frame that caused Manatees first baseman Jeff Eure to commit two errors and allow pinch runner Paul O'Toole to score the go-ahead run for Daytona.
Manatees southpaw reliever Jeremy Lewis (5-6) was charged with the loss after giving up the unearned run on Eure's blunder, just one night after the lefty was credited with the win in the back end of Friday's double-header in Viera.
With the victory the Cubs salvaged a four-game split with the Manatees as they improved to 10-18 as Brevard County dropped to 17-11 on the second half.
Daytona is now set to begin a four-game series against the Western Division powerhouse Dunedin Blue Jays at Jackie Robinson Ballpark beginning on Sunday evening.
The series opener is slated to feature a pair of standout southpaws as the Cubs will send lefty J.R. Mathes (7-5, 3.29 ERA) to the mound and the Blue Jays will counter with left-hander Kurt Isenberg (7-7, 4.19 ERA).
First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m.EST.
Florida State League Stories from July 23, 2005
- Cubs salvage series split at the Jack - Daytona Tortugas
- Miracle Continue to Slide in 4-1 Loss to Reds - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Cards cruise past 'Heads, 6-1 - Jupiter Hammerheads
- VB Dodgers, Kemp Double Up Mets - Vero Beach Devil Rays
- Cubs, Manatees split double dip at Space Coast - Daytona Tortugas
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