Tortugas corral Cardinals in opener, 5-2

JUPITER, Fla. - DH Jonathan India collected three hits - including his first home run in two weeks - as the Daytona Tortugas captured the first game of their six-game road trip with a 5-2 victory over the Palm Beach Cardinals on Tuesday night at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.

Trailing 2-0 heading to the third, Daytona (28-23) managed to tie the game in the top of the frame. With a man at second and one out, LF Drew Mount (2-5, 3 R, 3B, RBI, 2 SO) slapped a drive into the left-center field gap. SS José Garcia (1-5, R) scored from second, as the 23-year-old slid into third with an RBI triple to pull the team within one, 2-1. Following a strikeout, 2B Alejo Lopez (2-5, RBI) stroked a knock through the right side of the infield. Mount scored on the single to tie the contest up at two.
The Tortugas grabbed the lead for good in the top of the fifth. Daytona had runners at first and second and two outs when CF Stuart Fairchild (1-3, RBI, BB) clocked a base-hit into left. Mount scored from second on Fairchild's single before India was thrown out trying to go from first to third. As a result, the 'Tugas controlled a 3-2 advantage.
Thanks to India, Daytona garnered insurance in the ninth. Two pitches after a two-out single to left by Mount, India ripped a towering drive down the left-field line. LF Lars Nootbaar leaped to try and make a catch at the wall, but it sailed over his glove and the fence for a two-run home run. The blast - his seventh of the season - extended the Tortuga lead to three, 5-2.
That was plenty of run support for RHP Ryan Nutof (1.0 IP, SO). The 23-year-old came on in the bottom of the ninth and retired the side in order to collect his seventh save of 2019.
Palm Beach (31-19) recorded both of their runs in the bottom of the first. With the bases loaded and one out, 3B Yariel González (2-4, RBI, SO) singled to right to give the Cardinals an early 1-0 lead. DH Luken Baker (0-3, RBI, 2 SO) would follow with a sacrifice fly to left.
RHP Julio Pinto (2.0 IP, H, BB, 4 SO) was impressive again in relief for Daytona. The 23-year-old struck out four over two scoreless innings to collect his first Florida State League victory. Palm Beach's RHP Alex Reyes (4.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, ER, BB, 5 SO) surrendered just one earned run in his start, but was saddled with his first FSL defeat of the year.
It was a no-decision for Tortugas' RHP Mac Sceroler (4.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO). The Denham Springs, La. native fell one out shy of qualifying for the win, striking out five over 4.2 innings of work.
Daytona will go for the series victory in game two of the series on Wednesday night. The reigning Florida State League Pitcher of the Week - LHP Reíver Sanmartín (1-3, 4.20 ERA) - is expected to climb the hill for the Tortugas. Palm Beach is expected to counter with RHP Tommy Parsons (3-0, 2.82 ERA).
The Tortugas Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 6:15 p.m. ET, leading up to the 6:30 p.m. ET start at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Wednesday evening's contest can be heard on daytonatortugas.com or via the TuneIn Radio and MiLB First Pitch apps.
Following the six-game road swing, the Tortugas will return to The Jack for a seven-contest homestand of their own, starting with four contests against the Bradenton Marauders, High-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The series begins on Monday, June 3 with a Belly Buster Monday presented by Marco's Pizza. Starting at just $13, fans can enjoy all-you-can-eat hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, and popcorn along with their game ticket.
Multi-game plans and single-game tickets are still 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 High-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of the 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 Beijing Shougang Eagles of National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) and many large community events and initiatives throughout the season.