Daytona dominates Tampa, 9-2, in opener

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - DH José García blasted a three-run home run in the third and 1B Bruce Yari whacked a two-run shot in the eighth, as the Daytona Tortugas powered past the Tampa Tarpons, 9-3, in front of 1,940 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Tuesday night.

Daytona (4-4, 39-34) snagged an early advantage, 1-0, on a run-scoring single by LF Drew Mount (2-4, RBI, 2 SO) in the second. Yet, it was the third when the offense took flight.
The Tortugas managed to load the bases with one out on a Yari (3-5, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI, 2 SO) single, plus a walk and a hit-by-pitch. 3B Jonathan India (1-4, 2 R, 2B, RBI, BB) made it a 2-0 contest with an RBI fielder's choice to short. García then proceeded to smash a 2-2 offering to deep left. The 21-year-old's blast landed on top of the batting cages beyond the left-field fence for a three-run homer - his fourth - to extend Daytona's lead to five, 5-0.
A wild pitch in the fifth enabled India to cross home and make it a 6-0 affair before Tampa (3-4, 31-42) finally got on the scoreboard in the sixth. DH David Metzgar (1-3, R, BB) and RF Isiah Gilliam (1-4, R, 2 SO) singled prior to 2B Oswaldo Cabrera (3-4, 2B, 2 RBI) lacing a liner into left-center. Both runners crossed the dish - pulling the Tarpons within 6-2 - but the switch-hitter was gunned out trying to stretch the knock into a triple, effectively ending the rally.
In the eighth, Daytona put the contest on ice. SS Yonathan Mendoza (0-3, R, BB, SO) walked with one out and scored all the way from first on an infield single by RF Lorenzo Cedrola (1-3, R) accompanied by a throwing error. The next batter - Yari - later launched a towering drive to center on a 3-2 pitch. The 24-year-old's bullet sailed over the batter's eye for a two-run home run - his fifth - to extend the Tortugas' margin to seven, 9-2.
Tampa would muster one final tally in the top of the ninth on an RBI base-hit by 3B Wendell Rijo (2-4, 2B, RBI, SO).
RHP Mac Sceroler (6.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, BB, 7 SO) kept the Tarpons' offense at bay, as the right-hander tossed a season-high six frames. The Denham Spring, La. native also matched a season-high with seven strikeouts en route to his fourth win of the year.
Tampa's RHP Trevor Stephan (3.0 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 4 ER, BB, 2 SO) lasted just three innings and suffered the loss in his first start since being transferred from Double-A Trenton.
Daytona is expected to hand the ball to RHP Austin Orewiler (3-6, 3.72 ERA) in game two of the series on Wednesday. The Tarpons are scheduled to counter with RHP Frank Germán (3-3, 4.14 ERA). 
The Tortugas Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 10:20 a.m. ET, leading up to the 10:35 a.m. ET start at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Wednesday morning's game can be heard on www.daytonatortugas.com or via the TuneIn Radio and MiLB First Pitch apps.

It will be a great day to bring the kids out to the ballpark as the Tortugas' host another Summer Splash Camp Day. Jackie Robinson Ballpark will be converted into a fun-zone and waterpark - with inflatables, water slides, and plenty of activities - for local summer camp attendees and all patrons to enjoy.
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.