Jack Rogers mashes grand slam, but Tortugas five-game win streak snapped
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — For the 20th game out of the last 21 contests, LF-RF Jack Rogers reached base, blasting a grand slam in the fourth. However, Jupiter mustered runs in the sixth and seventh to snap Daytona’s five-game winning streak, as the Hammerheads bested the Tortugas, 6-4, in front of 1,523 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Thursday night.
Trailing 4-0 entering the home fourth, 2B Tyler Callihan (1-4, R) started a rally for Daytona (29-36) with an infield single to second and promptly stole second base. The Tortugas then loaded the bases on a walk to LF Luis Chevalier (0-2, R, BB, SO) and a knock to center from 3B Michel Triana (1-4, R, SO).
On a 3-1 offering, Rogers (1-4, R, HR, 4 RBI, 2 SO) unloaded a drive beyond the fence in right for a grand slam. The Spring, Texas native’s second blast of the season — Daytona’s second grand slam of the campaign — knotted the game up at four.
It stayed even until the sixth. 1B Zach Zubia (3-4, R, 2B, RBI) led off the top of the inning with a single to center and advanced to second on a walk to SS Cristhian Rodríguez (1-3, R, 3B, BB). A one-out single to right from LF Jorge Caballero (1-3, R, BB, SO) and a sacrifice fly to left from CF Osiris Johnson (0-3, RBI, SO) put Jupiter (34-30) back in front, 5-4.
An inning later, 3B Ian Lewis (1-3, R, 3B, BB) punched a triple to deep center with two out that could not be squeezed. Zubia then followed with a two-bagger down the left-field line to stretch the Hammerheads’ edge back to two, 6-4.
Daytona would rally in the seventh and ninth, but could not even the tide.
The Tortugas placed the tying runs aboard in the seventh on a two-out knock from 1B Yassel Pino (1-3, BB, 2 SO) and a free pass to C Wilfred Astudillo (0-2, BB, SO), but a ground ball to first quelled the threat. DH Jamal O’Guinn (0-3, BB, SO) coaxed a walk with one down in the ninth to bring the tying run to the dish, but a fly out to center and a strikeout closed out the contest.
Jupiter snatched an early lead with a big third inning. The Hammerheads managed to load the bases in the inning thanks to a trio of walks. After two runs scored on separate wild pitches, DH José Salas (1-5, 2B, RBI, SO) ripped a run-scoring double to left-center to grant the visitors a 3-0 advantage.
An inning later, Jupiter increased their lead to four when Rodríguez laced a triple into the gap in left-center field before being brought home on a sacrifice fly to center off the bat of C José Estrada (0-2, R, RBI, BB, SO).
RHP Edgar Sánchez (5.0 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 SO) worked around a troublesome fourth inning for the Hammerheads, earning his fifth victory of the season. RHP Tyler Eckberg (0.2 IP, SO) entered after the O’Guinn walk in the ninth and registered the final two outs for his fifth save.
Tortugas RHP Reynardo Cruz (2.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 2 SO) started brilliantly before running into trouble in the third, taking a no-decision. RHP Brett Lockwood (2.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, BB, SO) was saddled with his first defeat of the campaign in relief.
The homestand continues on Friday with Copa de la Diversión Night. As part of Minor League Baseball’s initiative, Tortugas’ players and coaches will wear specially branded uniforms and caps to honor Hispanic heritage, while fans in attendance will be treated to various interactive on-field promotions and activities throughout the night. Friday Night Happy Hour comes back to the ballpark, as well, with special discounts on select Wicked Weed Brewing draft beers at the concession stands. Before the first pitch, fans will also be able to enjoy Live Music from Mike & Vin on the third-base riverwalk.
The Tortugas will try to return to the win column with RHP Hunter Parks (2-0, 3.67) expected to toe the slab. The Hammerheads are scheduled to counter with LHP Justin Fall (3-5, 4.87). Coverage on the Tortugas Radio Network will begin on the MiLB First Pitch app and www.daytonatortugas.com at 6:50 p.m. leading up to the 7:05 p.m. first pitch from Jackie Robinson Ballpark
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.
ABOUT THE DAYTONA TORTUGAS
The Daytona Tortugas are the Single-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of Minor League Baseball’s Florida State League. The Tortugas play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in downtown Daytona Beach, Fla. Jackie Robinson Ballpark also plays host to Bethune-Cookman University, the Jackie Robinson Ballpark Museum, and many community events and initiatives of all sizes throughout the year.
###DBT###
