Daytona's bats catch fire, burn Bradenton, 10-3

BRADENTON, Fla. - DH Hendrik Clementina clobbered a two-run home run, while RF Drew Mount tied a season-high with three RBI, as the Daytona Tortugas throttled the Bradenton Marauders, 10-3, in their final road game of the regular season on Sunday afternoon at LECOM Park.

Daytona (28-37, 63-67) remains in the playoff hunt in the North Division with seven games remaining in the campaign. With the Tortugas eliminated from the race for the second-half crown in the division, Daytona needs the Dunedin Blue Jays to win the half to potentially win the wild card. As of press time, the 'Tugas are a game behind the Lakeland Flying Tigers for second place in the overall standings.
The Tortugas jumped to an early 1-0 lead in the first, as CF Lorenzo Cedrola (2-5, 2 R, 2B, SO) singled, stole second, moved to third on a wild pitch and scored a throwing error. Bradenton (34-31, 70-61), however, snagged a 2-1 edge in the bottom of the frame, tallying runs via a throwing error and an RBI double from SS Rodolfo Castro (1-3, 2B, RBI, BB, SO).
After Daytona tied it at two in the third, the 'Tugas grabbed the advantage for good in the fifth. With nobody on and two out, Cedrola ripped a double off the base of the left-field wall. SS José García (3-4, 2 R, RBI, BB) proceeded to line a base-hit into center - scoring the run - to put Daytona ahead, 3-2. Clementina (1-4, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI, BB) then muscled a 3-2 pitch over the fence in right-center for a two-run homer. The 22-year-old's team-leading 13th long ball stretched the visitor's lead to three, 5-2.
Against Bradenton's bullpen, the Tortugas put the game on ice. Following consecutive two-out singles in the eighth by 3B Bryant Flete (1-5, R, 2 SO) and 1B Pabel Manzanero (1-5, R, 2 SO), Mount (2-5, R, 2B, 3 RBI, SO) spanked a double into right-center to drive in a man, making it a 6-2 affair. LF Brian Rey (2-5, R, 2B, 2 RBI) subsequently launched a two-RBI double to left-center, placing Daytona in front, 8-2. Mount capped the 'Tugas scoring output, 10-2, in the ninth with a two-run single to right.
RHP Jared Solomon (5.0+ IP, 2 H, 2 R, ER, 4 BB, 7 SO) was impressive for the 'Tugas, matching a season-high with seven strikeouts. As a result, the 22-year-old earned his second Florida State League victory. Marauders' RHP Aaron Shortridge (5.0 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 SO) had his four-start winning streak snapped, as Daytona handed him his fifth defeat.
Daytona will return to The Jack to open up a seven-game homestand and four-game set against the St. Lucie Mets, the High-A affiliate of the New York Mets, on Monday evening. It will be a Belly Buster Monday at the ballpark, presented by Marco's Pizza. Starting at just $13, fans can enjoy all-you-can-eat hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, and popcorn throughout the evening.
The Tortugas Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 6:50 p.m. ET, leading up to the 7:05 p.m. ET start at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Monday evening's affair can be heard on www.daytonatortugas.com or via the TuneIn Radio and MiLB First Pitch apps.
RHP Ryan Lillie (3-8, 3.35 ERA) is expected to take the mound for Daytona in the series opener. St. Lucie had not announced their rotation for the series as of press time.
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.