Clearwater creeps past Daytona, 3-2

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - LF Lorenzo Cedrola launched his first home run of the season, but a three-run sixth inning derailed Daytona, as the Clearwater Threshers defeated the Tortugas, 3-2, in front of 1,608 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Saturday night.

With the 'Tugas in front 1-0, Clearwater (34-28) began the sixth with back-to-back singles. With runners at first and third, DH Jhailyn Ortiz (0-3, R) hit a grounder to third that was booted. LF Simón Muzziotti (2-4, R, BB, 2 SO) scored on the mishap to tie it at one. 2B Madison Stokes (1-4) then hit another roller in the infield that was misplayed and continued into left field. 3B Alec Bohm (1-5, R) came home on the error to give the Threshers the lead, 2-1.
Following a walk that loaded the bases, RF Matt Vierling (0-3, RBI) lofted a sacrifice fly to right to extend the visitor's advantage to two, 3-1.
The 'Tugas answered back in the bottom of the sixth inning with a run of their own. 2B Alejo López (1-4, R) reached on an error and moved to second on a balk. After a CF Stuart Fairchild (2-4) single moved him to third, 1B Bruce Yari (0-3, RBI) lifted a sacrifice fly to center to pull Daytona within one, 3-2.
Daytona mounted one last rally in the ninth but came up short. A hit-by-pitch and a single put the first two men of the inning on base representing the game's tying and winning runs. However, RHP Grant Dyer (1.0 IP, H, SO) got a popped-up bunt, a fly out to left, and a swinging strikeout to seal the win and his third save.
In the third, Daytona scratched across the night's first tally. With nobody on and one out, Cedrola (2-4, R, HR, RBI) laced a liner to deep left field. The 21-year-old smashed it off the batting cages beyond the fence for a solo home run - his first of the season - to give the Tortugas a 1-0 edge.
RHP Colton Eastman (5.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, ER, 8 SO) whiffed eight batters over 5.2 innings to earn his third win since joining the Florida State League. Although he did not yield an earned run, LHP Reíver Sanmartín (5.0+ IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 2 SO) suffered his fifth defeat for Daytona.
Thanks to the ballpark's brand new turf surface, the game's two rain delays were extremely abbreviated. The contest was pushed back 16 minutes due to rain, as well an 11-minute pause for a downpour in the top half of the third.
Additionally, with the Dunedin Blue Jays' win over the Bradenton Marauders, the Tortugas have been eliminated from winning the North Division in the first half. 
Daytona will look to stave off a sweep on Sunday, as RHP Ryan Lillie (2-4, 3.07 ERA) is scheduled to take the hill. The Threshers are projected to counter with RHP Alejandro Requeña (4-3, 4.39 ERA).
The Tortugas Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 5:20 p.m. ET, leading up to the 5:35 p.m. ET start at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Sunday evening's ballgame can be heard on daytonatortugas.com or via the TuneIn Radio and MiLB First Pitch apps.
The seven-game homestand comes to its conclusion with #Nice Night, as the first 500 people through the gates that evening will receive a special #Nice T-Shirt Giveaway. It will be another Tiny Tugas Night featuring special activities and experiences throughout the game for all members and Kids Run the Bases following the contest. 

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.