Mella Wills Daytona to Key Shutout Victory
August 25, 2015 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Daytona Tortugas News Release
Clearwater, FL - After a seven-inning stalemate, the Daytona Tortugas (35-22, 72-55) broke through with a pair of late sacrifice flies to edge the Clearwater Threshers (36-23, 73-56) 2-0 on Tuesday night at Bright House Field. It was just the second time in nine games that the Tortugas were able to defeat the Threshers on the road this season. If Daytona makes the postseason, Clearwater will host Game 2 and Game 3 (if necessary) of the FSL North Division Series.
RHP Keury Mella (W, 3-1) had to deal with a baserunner in six of his seven innings, but held the Threshers to just three singles and four walks while striking out six batters. Clearwater hit leadoff singles in the first, third and fourth innings, but Mella did not allow a runner to reach third base until the sixth. Campbell led off that inning with a walk and got to the hot corner with two away, but Mella punched out Dylan Cozens to end the threat.
Mella's night ended with a key strikeout; two walks in the seventh inning had the go-ahead run on second base with two down, and he managed to strike out Malquin Canelo to escape another jam.
SS Blake Trahan started the decisive rally with an infield single in the eighth, a leadoff dribbler down the first base line. He moved to third on a hit-and-run single from 2B Ty Washington, and scored on a sacrifice fly from LF Brian O'Grady.
The Threshers threatened to tie the score in the bottom half. RHP El'Hajj Muhammad (H, 10) hit a batter before striking out Jesmuel Valentin and inducing a grounder from Carlos Tocci, but LHP Nolan Becker came on and walked Cozens to put the tying run in scoring position and the go-ahead run on first base with two outs. RHP Alejandro Chacin (S, 9) was called in to face reigning Florida State League Player of the Week Rhys Hoskins, who struck out swinging to end the inning.
RF Jeff Gelalich tallied an insurance run in the ninth, drawing a walk from Yacksel Rios (L, 6-4), stealing second base, moving to third on a passed ball and scoring on a sacrifice fly from 3B Taylor Sparks. Chacin held the 2-0 lead with a perfect ninth inning.
After Wednesday's off-day, the Tortugas return to Radiology Associates Field for a six-game homestand at The Jack, featuring three games against the playoff contending Tampa Yankees and three games against the first half champion Clearwater Threshers. Fans can enjoy Thirsty Thursday, Jimmy Buffett Theme Night with a green sunglasses giveaway thanks to Bob and Lori Fregolle on Friday, and Fireworks Saturday featuring a backpack giveaway to the first 500 kids thanks to Centra Care and a Tortugas tote bag giveaway thanks to Wyse Home Team.
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