Daytona and Florida split lengthy twinbill

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Nearly 7 hours and 45 minutes after the day of baseball was supposed to begin, the Tortugas and Fire Frogs split a doubleheader, as Daytona took game one in a rout, 8-1, while Florida snuck away with game two, 4-3, on Friday evening at Osceola County Stadium.

Delayed by 2 hours and 51 minutes at the start due to rain and unplayable field conditions, the Fire Frogs (13-24, 38-65) took an early 1-0 lead in the lid-lifter courtesy of a wild pitch in the bottom of the first.
Daytona (18-19, 53-49) made sure that lead did not last long. Following a single by 2B Alejo López (1-4, R), C Hendrik Clementina (1-4, R, HR, 2 RBI, SO) cracked a laser over the left-field fence for a two-run home run - his team-leading 10th of the year - to put the Tortugas in front, 2-1.
In the fourth, Daytona's offense created some separation. Consecutive singles by 3B Bryant Flete (2-4, 2 R, HR, RBI) and DH Pabel Manzanero (3-4, 2 R, 2B, SO) with one out started the rally. LF Drew Mount (1-3, R, 2B, RBI, 2 SO) proceeded to thwack a run-scoring double down the first-base line to stretch the 'Tugas lead to 3-1.
Following a dropped-third-strike passed ball that allowed another run to cross, 1B Bruce Yari (2-3, 2B, 3 RBI, BB) smoked a liner into right field. Two more runs crossed the dish on the 24-year-old's double to push Daytona's advantage to four, 6-1.
Yari would help add to the lead again in the sixth with an RBI single to center. Flete capped the scoring in game one in the seventh with a towering solo home run to right. The infielder's first home run as a member of the Cincinnati Reds organization made it an 8-1 Tortugas contest.
RHP Wendolyn Bautista (6.0 IP, 2 H, R, ER, BB, 7 SO) was magnificent once more in game one. The 26-year-old issued just one run on two hits in six frames for his fifth-straight quality start and fourth win of the season. 
Florida's RHP Tristan Beck (5.1 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 6 SO) yielded a season-high seven runs (six earned) over 5.1 innings, suffering his second defeat.
Once again, the Fire Frogs struck first in the nightcap. CF Andrew Moritz (2-3, R) ignited the bottom of the opening frame with a single. The outfielder would swipe second and then score on a double play to put Florida ahead early, 1-0.
Daytona utilized the long ball once more to tie it in the fourth. With no one on and two out, 2B Yonathan Mendoza (1-3, R, HR, RBI) uncorked a majestic shot down the left-field line. The blast hooked around the foul pole for a solo home run - his third of the year - to knot it at one.
Florida jumped back ahead in the bottom of the frame, however. A throwing error and a double by DH Kevin Josephina (2-3, R, 2B, RBI, SO) started the rally. RF Garrison Schwartz (2-3, 2 RBI, SO) then poked a base-hit through the right side. LF Jefrey Ramos (0-2, R, BB) scored the go-ahead run, but Josephina was thrown out at the dish by RF Michael Beltré.
Behind 2-1, the Tortugas took advantage of defensive mistakes in the fifth. Consecutive singles by SS José García (1-4, R) and Beltré (2-3, R, BB, SO) with two out gave the offense life. DH Alejo López (0-3) then hit a grounder to second that was booted, allowing García to score, tying the game up at two. 1B Pabel Manzanero (1-3, RBI) subsequently hit a rocket that deflected into left field for a knock. Beltré came across to put the 'Tugas in the driver's seat, 3-2. 
In the sixth, the Fire Frogs hopped ahead for good. With a runner at third and one out, Josephina stroked a single past the drawn-in infield to bring in a tally and even the contest at three. After another knock and a wild pitch, Schwartz roped a broken-bat liner into left for hit. PR-LF Shean Michel (0-0, R) scored the go-ahead run, while C Zack Soria (1-2, BB, SO) was erased at the dish by LF Lorenzo Cedrola . Despite the out at the plate, Florida had regained the advantage, 4-3.
Daytona could not muster anything in the top of the seventh, as RHP Caleb Dirks (2.0 IP, SO) worked a perfect final frame to finish off the nightcap and his first win of the campaign.
Neither starter received a decision in game two. RHP Aaron Fossas (4.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, ER, 2 BB, 4 SO) issued just one earned run over four innings for Daytona, while Florida's LHP Hayden Deal (5.0 IP, 7 H, 3 R, ER, BB, 3 SO) did the same over five.
RHP Julio Pinto (1.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB) issued both runs in the sixth and was saddled with his third loss.
The series continues on Saturday, as RHP Mac Sceroler (4-2, 4.40 ERA) is expected to take the mound for the Tortugas in game three of the set. The Fire Frogs are projected to counter with RHP Nolan Kingham (4-8, 4.80 ERA).
The Tortugas Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 5:45 p.m. ET, leading up to the 6:00 p.m. ET start at Osceola County Stadium. Saturday evening's contest can be heard on www.daytonatortugas.com or via the TuneIn Radio and MiLB First Pitch apps.
Following the lengthy road trip, the Tortugas will return to The Jack to open up a three-contest set against the St. Lucie Mets, the High-A affiliate of the New York Mets, on Friday, August 2. Daytona continues its Best Dressed Friday series, as players and coaches will don special uniforms in honor of the 25th anniversary of comedy classic, "Dumb and Dumber". Those jerseys will be auctioned off online throughout the weekend. It will be another Friday Night Happy Hour presented by Kona Brewing with buy-one, get-one Kona beer products and Bud Light from 5:30 p.m. until first pitch. Finally, after the game, fans will be treated to another splendid Postgame Fireworks display.
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.