Cade Hunter blasts two-run home run before weather ends contest in the fourth
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — DH Cade Hunter pounded a two-run home run to tie the game at two, but three batters later the game was over. Due to rain, lightning, and the threat of further weather throughout the evening, Sunday evening’s regular-season finale between the Daytona Tortugas and Tampa Tarpons was canceled before 1,252 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
Since there are no more 2022 regular season home games, all fans with a ticket to Sunday’s canceled contest may exchange them for a ticket of equal or greater value at the Daytona Tortugas’ box office for a 2023 regular season home game (excluding Opening Night and July 4). Patrons may exchange them by visiting the Tortugas’ box office at 110 East Orange Avenue or by calling (386) 257-3172.
Tampa (34-28, 61-67) jumped out to an early 1-0 lead when SS Alexander Vargas (1-2, R, 3B) tripled to right and scored on a sacrifice fly to left by C Ben Rice (0-1, RBI).
The Tarpons added their advantage in the top of the fourth. With the bases empty and two out, LF Tayler Aguilar (1-1, R, HR, RBI, BB) bounced an offering over the leaping centerfielder’s mitt and the top of the right-center field fence for a solo home run. The Grand Canyon University alum’s fourth career clout doubled Tampa’s advantage to 2-0.
Daytona (25-38, 54-74) drew even in the bottom of the inning. 3B Austin Callahan (0-1, R, BB, SO) coaxed a leadoff walk prior to swiping second base. Hunter (1-2, R, HR, 2 RBI, SO) followed by eviscerating a 1-2 pitch beyond the right-center field wall for a two-run home run. The Mount Laurel, N.J. native’s third home run with the club tied it at two.
Later in the inning, 2B Trey Faltine (0-1, SO) was at the plate with a 1-1 count when a strike of lightning chased both teams off the diamond. After a roughly 30-minute delay, the decision was made to cancel the remainder of the affair.
RHP Zach Maxwell (2.0 IP, H, R, ER, 4 BB) tossed a pair of innings in his first professional start for Daytona, while LHP Nicolò Pinazzi (2.0 IP, 2 H, R, ER, 3 SO) pitched three over two innings in relief.
Tarpons’ RHP Tyrone Yulie (3.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, BB, 6 SO) whiffed six before Mother Nature brought the final game for the season to a close.
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.
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