Fire Frogs Squeak Past Tortugas, 5-4, on "Hangover" Night
Published on April 5, 2019 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Daytona Tortugas News Release
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - For the second-straight night, a late-inning rally vanquished the Tortugas, as CF Greyson Jenista's run-scoring single pushed the Florida Fire Frogs past Daytona, 5-4, in front of 2,196 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Friday night.
Tied at four in the top of the eighth, SS Riley Unroe (1-4, 2 R, 2B, BB, 2 SO) started the frame with a double to left. Following an infield single and a strikeout, Jenista (2-2, R, 2 RBI, BB) slapped a single through the right side. Unroe raced home to score the go-ahead run, putting the Fire Frogs (2-0) in front, 5-4.
The Tortugas (0-2) put the leadoff man on base in the eighth and ninth innings but failed the move the tying run past second base.
Florida initially jumped out to a 4-0 lead after two-and-a-half innings. In the second, Jenista drew a leadoff walk and moved to second on a single by LF Jefrey Ramos (1-4, R). On a 1-0 pitch, 1B Drew Lugbauer (1-3, R, HR, 3 RBI, BB, SO) cranked a three-run homer over the wall in right - his first of the year - to give the Fire Frogs a 3-0 edge. An inning later - with men at second and third and one out - Jenista lofted a sacrifice fly to center to stretch the visitor's advantage to four.
In the bottom of the fourth, Daytona's offense exploded with two outs to even the contest. C Mark Kolozsvary (2-4, R, 2B, RBI) got the Tortugas on the board with an RBI double into the right-center field gap and came across to score on a knock by CF Lorenzo Cedrola (2-4, R, RBI). Down by two, SS Yonathan Mendoza (2-4, R, RBI) sliced a triple to left-center, drawing Daytona within 4-3. 2B Randy Ventura (2-5, 2 SO) managed to tie the game with his speed, as a fielding error permitted him to reach.
Neither starter received a decision in the contest. Daytona's RHP Ryan Lillie (6.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 4 SO) bounced back after a rough start, facing just one batter over the minimum during his final three innings of work. RHP Tristan Beck (4.0 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO) yielded all four runs in the fourth in just his second professional start.
RHP Daysbel Hernandez (2.0 IP, H, 2 SO) was stellar in relief for the Frogs, hurling two innings of shutout ball to earn his first win of the year. LHP Jon Kennedy (1.0 IP, H, SO) stranded the tying run at second in the ninth to earn his first save. RHP Ryan Olson (1.2 IP, 3 H, R, ER, BB, 3 SO) - making his first appearance since July 5 of last year - suffered the tough-luck loss in his season debut.
The series shifts to Kissimmee on Saturday evening. LHP Packy Naughton (0-0, 0.00 ERA) - Cincinnati's No. 21 prospect according to MLBPipeline.com - will toe the slab for the 'Tugas, while Florida is expected to counter with RHP Freddy Tarnok (0-0, 0.00) - Atlanta's 16th-best farmhand per Baseball America.
The Tortugas Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 5:45 p.m. ET, leading up to the 6:00 p.m. ET start at Osceola County Stadium. Saturday evening's contest can be heard on daytonatortugas.com or via the TuneIn Radio and MiLB First Pitch apps.
Following the six-game 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 5, 2019
- Threshers Falter Late in Home-Opening Loss - Clearwater Threshers
- Fire Frogs Squeak Past Tortugas, 5-4, on "Hangover" Night - Daytona Tortugas
- Stone Crabs Fall Short in Fort Myers 4-3 - Charlotte Stone Crabs
- Miracle Down Charlotte, 4-3 - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Valerio Lifts Marauders to 4-2 Win over Mets - St. Lucie Mets
- Schmidt, Mize Duel as Tarpons Fall in Lakeland on Opening Day - Tampa Tarpons
- Four-Hit Nights Not Enough in 11-3 Opening Night Loss - Charlotte Stone Crabs
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