FSL1 Daytona Tortugas

Homers Hamper Tortugas in 9-2 Defeat

Published on July 2, 2019 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Daytona Tortugas News Release


DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - CF Estevan Florial and 1B Steven Sensley each blasted three-run home runs in a six-run fifth inning, as the Tampa Tarpons rolled past the Daytona Tortugas, 9-2, in front of 2,395 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Tuesday night.

Scoreless headed to the fifth, Tampa (7-7, 35-45) put the first two men on in the frame via a walk and a single. On a 2-0 offering, Florial (2-6, R, HR, 5 RBI, 2 SO) smoked a laser down the right-field line. The shot barely cleared the fence for a three-run home run - his fourth of the year - to put the Tarpons in front, 3-0.

Tampa's assault was not done, as RF Isiah Gilliam (1-5, R, 2B, 3 SO) reached on a ground-rule double to center, while C Donny Sands (0-2, R, 3 BB) got aboard with a walk. Sensley (2-4, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI) then wallopped a 2-1 delivery over the fence in dead center for another three-run shot. The left-handed slugger's fifth longball of the season extended the Tarpons advantage to 6-0.

The visitors would add three more runs against the Daytona (6-9, 41-39) bullpen in the seventh. A bases-loaded ground out from 3B-1B José Martínez (2-5, R, RBI, 2 SO) stretched Tampa's edge to 7-0. Florial then followed with a two-run knock to center to put the Tarpons ahead by nine, 9-0.

Daytona broke up the shutout in the bottom of the eighth. Following a single to left from CF Andy Sugilio (1-4, R), DH Alejo López (1-2, R, HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB) poked a two-run home run over the left-field fence. The 23-year-old's second home run of the campaign pulled the Tortugas to within 9-2.

RHP Frank Germán (5.0 IP, 2 H, 5 BB, 6 SO) struggled with his command for Tampa but battled to throw five scoreless innings to accrue his fourth win of the year.

The contest got off to a strong start for RHP Jared Solomon (4.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 5 SO), but ended poorly. The 22-year-old failed to make it out of the fifth, suffering his fourth Florida State League defeat.

The nine-game homestand wraps up with the Tortugas' Independence Day Celebration. Fans are encouraged to come out to the ballpark to celebrate our nation's birthday with the Biggest Fireworks Show in Central Florida following the final out. Patrons are also advised to arrive early, as the first 1,000 fans through the gates that night will receive a Patriotic T-Shirt Giveaway courtesy of Wawa. Like all Wednesday night contests, the Tortugas will host another Wishful Wednesday presented by VyStar Credit Union. The organization will celebrate, recognize, and help raise awareness and funds for local charities around Volusia County.

RHP Wendolyn Bautista (0-3, 4.60 ERA) is expected to take the hill for the Tortugas in Wednesday's rubber match. Tampa is projected to counter with RHP Jio Orozco (2-2, 4.19 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. Wednesday 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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