FSL Daytona Tortugas

Seminati's Blast Bolts Daytona over Bradenton, 8-6

Published on June 13, 2021 under Florida State League (FSL)
Daytona Tortugas News Release


BRADENTON, Fla. - On the verge of dropping a season-high fifth-straight game, Daytona refused to let that become reality. 1B Leo Seminati's go-ahead, two-run home run in the top of the eighth was the difference, as the Tortugas rallied to clip the Marauders, 8-6, on Sunday afternoon at LECOM Park.

After surrendering the lead in the bottom of the fifth, C Wilfred Astudillo (3-5, 2 R, HR, RBI, SO) quickly got a tally back leading off the sixth. The switch-hitter banged a shot off the facing of the boardwalk in right for his second home run of the season - a solo blast - to draw Daytona (15-21) within 6-5.

Two innings later, it was Astudillo who set the stage for the game's biggest blow. The 21-year-old dunked a single to center, bringing Seminati (1-2, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB) to the dish. On a 1-1 delivery, the Bergamo, Lombardy, Italy native waxed a drive into the gap in right-center. The shot sailed over the fence for a two-run blast - his first of the season - giving the Tortugas the lead back, 7-6.

Daytona mustered an insurance run later in the frame. CF Rafael Franco (1-4, R, RBI, 2 SO) reached on a dropped third strike, took second on a balk, scooted to third on a SS Gus Steiger (2-4, RBI) single, and crossed, 8-6, on a sacrifice fly to right by 2B Steven Leyton (0-4, RBI, 2 SO).

Bradenton (23-13) appeared on the precipice of drawing even, loading the bases with one out in the bottom of that frame. RHP Vin Timpanelli (1.2 IP, H, 2 BB) remained unbothered, induced a 3-2-3 double play to leave the bags full and keep the Tortugas in charge.

In the bottom of the ninth, a leadoff walk put the Tortugas on edge. The defense stepped up again, though, as 3B Reyny Reyes made a grab while falling backward in foul territory for the first out. Astudillo subsequently made a barehand pick on a dribbler in front of the plate to start a game-ending 2-4-3 double play, sealing Daytona's 8-6 triumph.

RHP Jake Gozzo (1.1 IP, 2 BB) - listed as a first baseman in the 2021 Cincinnati Reds media guide, but has been in the 'Tugas bullpen all year - earned his first professional victory after 1.1 innings of scoreless relief. Timpanelli - listed as a catcher - garnered his third save in closing the victory.

After a scoreless outing against the 'Tugas on Thursday, RHP Sergio Umana (1.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 SO) yielded three runs, suffering his first defeat of the season.

CF Hudson Head (2-3, R, 2B, HR, RBI, 2 BB, SO) gave the Marauders an early lead, leading off the home first with a home run - his fourth - beyond the boardwalk in right-center.

After LF Wendell Marrero (1-1, R) singled and scored on an error to tie the game, 1-1, in the top of the second, the Marauders regained the lead, 2-1, with two out in the bottom half. C Eli Wilson (1-3, R, 2B, BB, SO) doubled off the left-field wall and scored on a two-bagger down the line in left by SS Norkis Marcos (2-4, R, 2B, RBI).

A three-run explosion in the fourth granted the Tortugas their first lead. LF Danny Lantigua (1-3, R, HR, RBI, BB, 2 SO) - who entered the game in the bottom of the third for Marrero - clocked the second pitch of the inning for his third home run, tying it at two.

With men at first and third courtesy of a Reyes (1-5, R) single and a walk to Seminati, Franco picked up his first Low-A Southeast base-hit with a run-scoring single to right, 3-2. Steiger proceeded to tally an RBI knock of his own to double the advantage, 4-2.

The Marauders swiped the lead back, 6-4, in the fifth on a 2B Jase Bowen (1-3, R, RBI, BB, SO) RBI single, a bases-full walk to RF Sammy Siani (0-4, R, RBI, BB, SO), and a pair of errors on a fielder's choice.

Neither starter factored into the decision on Sunday. Daytona RHP Jason Parker (4.1 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 6 SO) and Bradenton RHP Adrian Florencio (4.0 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 ER, BB, 6 SO) each punched out six and allowed season-highs in runs allowed.

Baseball returns to Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Tuesday, June 15, as the 'Tugas will square off against the Palm Beach Cardinals, Low-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. It will be a Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Radiology Associates Imaging, as Daytona players and coaches will don special pink-tinted uniforms to mark the occasion. Silver Sluggers Night - the best club in baseball for fans 60-and-over - presented by Conviva Cares Solutions will also be a part of the festivities. Fans can get in on deals at the concession stand with $2.50 Michelob Ultra draft beers.

Neither team has announced a starting pitcher for the series opener. The first pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. Coverage on the Tortugas Radio Network and www.daytonatortugas.com will begin with the Pregame Show starting at 6:50 p.m.

Season tickets, multi-game plans, group packages, and single-game tickets are currently available and can be purchased online at www.daytonatortugas.com or by calling the Tortugas' Ticket Office at (386) 257-3172.

Check out the Daytona Tortugas Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Florida State League Stories from June 13, 2021


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central