FSL1 Daytona Tortugas

Tortugas Fall Short in First Loss

Published on April 7, 2017 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Daytona Tortugas News Release


KISSIMMEE, FL - The Daytona Tortugas fell short Friday night, leaving the tying run in scoring position in the ninth inning of their, 5-4, loss against the Florida Fire Frogs at Osceola County Stadium. Daytona went 2-for-16 with men in scoring position, leaving 10 on-base in Florida's first win in franchise history.

Daytona struck first this time, getting on the board in the second inning. Reydel Medina ripped a double to right field to drive in Chris Okey with two outs in the inning. Okey had doubled to lead off the frame.

The Tortugas would double their lead an inning later, with the help of just one man. Daniel Sweet reaching on a fielding error, stole second, stole third and scored on a throwing error to give Daytona a 2-0 lead.

After facing the minimum through the first two innings, Jose Lopez would allow four unearned runs in the home half of the third. The flood gates opened when shortstop Alfredo Rodriguez let a ball drop on the infield dirt to begin the frame. Four batters later, with two outs in the inning, Ronald Acuna blooped a single to center to get Florida on the board.

Two batters later, the Fire Frogs took the lead for good on Austin Riley's first home run of the season, to go in front, 4-2.

The Tortugas would try to whittle away at the deficit. They would draw a run closer in the sixth, when shortstop Alejandro Salazar spiked a throw to first with the bases loaded, allowing Chris Okey to score.

However, the Fire Frogs would get the run right back in the home half on a leadoff home run from Alex Jackson.

The final run of the night came in the eighth, when Medina drove in another two-out run with an infield base hit to second.

With two runners in scoring position, and two outs in the ninth, Okey grounded out to shortstop to end the threat. Daytona left a man on base in seven of the nine innings, including the bases loaded in the sixth.

Lopez (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing five runs, one earned, on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out seven. Meanwhile, Josh Graham (1-0) earned the win for his 1 2/3 innings of relief, allowing an unearned run. Devan Watts notched his 10th career save in just 21 apperances with a scoreless ninth inning.

The Tortugas will throw RHP Vladimir Gutierrez (MiLB debut) against LHP Drew Harrington in game three of the series on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 PM with coverage beginning at 3:45 PM on AM 1230 and AM 1490 WSBB.

Notes: Daniel Sweet stole a career-high three bases...Thursday was the first time Jose Lopez allowed multiple home runs in a start in his career...Lopez is 0-4 in his seven career Tortuga starts...Chris Okey threw out two would-be base stealers...Reydel Medina already has four two-out RBIs this season

Check out the Daytona Tortugas Statistics

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



Florida State League Stories from April 7, 2017


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