Daytona halts slide, bests Fort Myers, 6-1

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Thanks to multi-RBI performances from DH José García and RF Shard Munroe , the Tortugas snapped a season-high-tying four-game losing streak, as Daytona topped the Fort Myers Miracle, 6-1, on Monday night at Hammond Stadium.

After Daytona's (8-13, 43-43) first eight batters were retired to start the night, Munroe (1-2, R, 2 RBI, BB) reached base with a two-out walk in the third. 2B Jonathan India (1-4, R, BB) proceeded to single and swipe a bag, putting runners at second and third. García (2-4, 2B, 3 RBI, SO) followed by poking a single through the middle. Both runners scored - giving the 'Tugas a 2-0 advantage - while the 21-year-old was gunned out trying to stretch the hit into a double.
The Tortugas struck again in the top of the fifth. SS Yonathan Mendoza (2-4, 2 R) and CF Lorenzo Cedrola (2-4, R, 2 SO) reached on consecutive one-out singles to start the attack. Munroe followed by ripping a liner into right for a knock. Mendoza crossed from second to push Daytona's lead to 3-0.
Fort Myers (9-12, 48-39) finally got on the board in the bottom half of the frame. CF Gabriel Maciel (1-3, R, HR, RBI, BB) thwacked a 1-0 offering over the fence in right for a solo home run. The 20-year-old's second Florida State League dinger pulled the Miracle within two, 3-1.
That was as close as the home squad would get, as Daytona managed to put the contest out of reach in the seventh.
In that frame, the 'Tugas were able to load the bases on a walk to 1B Bruce Yari (0-3, R, BB, SO), a single from Mendoza, and a bunt hit by Cedrola. Munroe brought in an insurance run with a sacrifice fly to left, extending the edge back to three, 4-1. 
After an intentional walk to India re-loaded the bases, García got drilled in the hand on an 0-1 pitch to force home another tally to make it a 5-1 affair. LF Stuart Fairchild (1-4, RBI, BB, SO) subsequently drew a bases-loaded walk to chase in another runner, putting the visitors in control, 6-1.
RHP Wendolyn Bautista (6.0 IP, 5 H, R, ER, 2 BB, 7 SO) was splendid again for Daytona on Monday. The 26-year-old hurled his second-straight quality start to earn his first victory of the campaign. Fort Myers' RHP Cole Sands (6.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, BB, 5 SO) also earned a quality start but suffered his second FSL defeat.
Daytona will attempt to keep their winning ways going on Tuesday, as LHP Wennington Romero (1-2, 4.34 ERA) is slated to take the ball. The Miracle are scheduled to counter with Minnesota's No. 7 prospect per Baseball America, RHP Jhoan Durán (1-7, 3.48 ERA).
The Tortugas Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 6:45 p.m. ET, leading up to the 7:00 p.m. ET start at Hammond Stadium. Tuesday evening's game can be heard on www.daytonatortugas.com or via the TuneIn Radio and MiLB First Pitch apps.
Following the road trip, the Tortugas will return home on Friday, July 12, to initiate a three-contest set against the Lakeland Flying Tigers, the High-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. It will be another edition of the franchise's Best Dressed Friday series with special military appreciation uniforms - recognizing all branches of the armed forces - set to be worn by Tortugas' players and coaches. The jerseys will be auctioned off throughout the weekend. In addition, it will be another Friday Night Happy Hour presented by Kona Brewing at The Jack with buy-one, get-one Kona beer products and Bud Light from 5:30 p.m. until first pitch. Like all Friday night affairs, there will be a splendid Postgame Fireworks show following the final out.
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.