FSL1 Daytona Tortugas

Jupiter Walks-Off Daytona in Opener, 2-1

Published on May 31, 2019 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Daytona Tortugas News Release


JUPITER, Fla. - RHP Jared Solomon tied a season-best with seven strikeouts for a second consecutive start, but it was Jupiter who had the last say, as the Hammerheads walked-off the Daytona Tortugas, 2-1, on Friday night at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.

Tied at one going to the bottom of the ninth, CF Victor Victor Mesa (2-3, 2 R, BB) began the frame with a walk. After 2B Riley Mahan (1-3, 2 BB, SO) singled on what was supposed to be a sacrifice bunt, 3B James Nelson (0-4, 2 SO) moved the runners to second and third with a sacrifice of his own.

Following an intentional walk that loaded the bases, C Nick Fortes (0-5, 2 RBI) hit a ground ball in the hole between first and second. 2B Alejo Lopez spun and threw to second for the force, but SS José Garcia's throw to first was late and off-line. Mesa scored from third with the winning run to give Jupiter (16-35) a 2-1 victory.

The Hammerheads grabbed the lead in a similar way in the first. Mesa was plunked to begin the frame and scooted into scoring position on a walk to Mahan. After 1B Lazaro Alonso (2-3, 2B, 2 BB) singled to load the bases, Fortes hit a ground ball to short. The force was recorded at second, but the relay to first was too high. Mesa came home to give Jupiter a 1-0 edge.

Daytona (29-25) tied it in the top of the fourth. Consecutive singles from Lopez (2-4, R) and 3B Jonathan India (1-4) started the rally. Subsequently after a fielder's choice erased India, LF Stuart Fairchild (0-4, RBI) hit a grounder to third. Nelson's only play was to first, as Lopez crossed the dish to knot the contest up at one.

RHP Joe Gunkel (3.0 IP, H, BB, 3 SO) threw three scoreless innings as part of a rehab assignment for Jupiter. The 27-year-old collected his first win of the season. Daytona's RHP Ryan Nutof (0.2 IP, H, R, ER, BB) yielded a run in the ninth to suffer his first loss.

Neither starter received a decision. Solomon (5.0 IP, 4 H, R, ER, BB, 7 SO) lasted just five innings but struck out seven in a second-straight impressive start. LHP Will Stewart (6.0 IP, 4 H, R, ER, BB, 4 SO) hurled a quality start for Jupiter, his second in-a-row.

The Tortugas will attempt to even the series up on Saturday, as RHP Austin Orewiler (1-5, 3.97 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound. Jupiter is slated to counter with Miami's No. 16 prospect according to Baseball America and South Division All-Star RHP Jordan Holloway (2-1, 1.51 ERA).

The Tortugas Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 5:15 p.m. ET, leading up to the 5:30 p.m. ET start at Roger Dean Chevrolet 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 swing, the Tortugas will return to The Jack for a seven-contest homestand of their own, starting with four contests against the Bradenton Marauders, High-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The series begins on Monday, June 3 with a Belly Buster Monday presented by Marco's Pizza. Starting at just $13, fans can enjoy all-you-can-eat hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, and popcorn along with their game ticket.

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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