Callihan, power pitching propel Daytona to 2-0 win over Dunedin

21-year-old clubs two-run home run in first at-bat back from injury; Three pitchers combine on four-hit shutout

In his first game since June 2 of last year, 2B Tyler Callihan's two-run home run in the bottom of the first proved to be the difference, as the Daytona Tortugas blanked the Dunedin Blue Jays, 2-0, in front of 1,510 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Tuesday night. (Aldrin Capulong)

By Justin Rocke

May 17, 2022

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — In his first official at-bat since June 2 of last year, 2B Tyler Callihan's two-run home run was the difference on Tuesday night. Behind the long ball, RHPs Hunter Parks, Luis Mey, and Ryan Cardona united on a four-hit shutout, as the Daytona Tortugas snapped a

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — In his first official at-bat since June 2 of last year, 2B Tyler Callihan's two-run home run was the difference on Tuesday night. Behind the long ball, RHPs Hunter Parks, Luis Mey, and Ryan Cardona united on a four-hit shutout, as the Daytona Tortugas snapped a five-game losing streak with a 2-0 victory over the Dunedin Blue Jays before 1,510 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

After Dunedin (14-20) was retired in order in the first, C Daniel Vellojín (0-3, R, BB, SO) ignited the home half of the inning with a walk for Daytona (14-20). Despite falling behind in the count 0-2, Callihan (1-2, R, HR, 2 RBI) waited back and launched a slicing line drive down the left-field line. The Neptune Beach, Fla. native's clout hooked around the fair side of the pole for a two-run home run. His first of the year put the Tortugas ahead 2-0.

That was all the offense that was needed for Daytona on Tuesday. Parks (5.0 IP, 4 H, 2 SO) dominated to start, posting a career-high five innings of work to begin the shutout effort. Mey (2.0 IP, 3 SO) entered in the sixth and retired all six batters he faced in relief. In the eighth, Cardona (2.0 IP, BB, 3 SO) emerged and took the baton to the finish line. The Marist College alum yielded only a walk to record the final six outs.

The Blue Jays' best chance to score came in the top of the second. 3B Damiano Palmegiani (1-2, SO) singled with two outs and advanced to third on a ground-rule double to left by LF Glenn Santiago (1-3, 2B, SO). Parks induced a ground out to second to end the frame.

From that point on, Parks, Mey, and Cardona did not allow a Dunedin baserunner to reach second base over the game's final seven innings.

Parks earned his second victory of the campaign for the 'Tugas, while Cardona finished off the contest to garner his third save.

RHP Connor Cooke (5.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO) settled in nicely after yielding a home run in the first for Dunedin. The 22-year-old matched a career-best with seven strikeouts but suffered his third defeat.

Fans are advised to come with an appetite as the series continues on Wednesday with a Belly Buster Wednesday presented by Marco’s Pizza. A long-standing fan favorite, starting at just $14, patrons will receive a bracelet and may indulge in all-you-can-eat hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, and popcorn at concession stands all evening long. It will also be Mustache Appreciation Night with special on-field games and activities to celebrate the occasion.

The Tortugas are expected to give the ball to RHP Tanner Cooper (1-1, 3.52). The Blue Jays are projected to counter with RHP Luis Quiñónes (1-0, 0.00). 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.