Doubles derail Daytona in 4-2 defeat to Lakeland

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — RHP Ryan Cardona put together his best start of the season matching career-highs in innings pitched (4.0) and strikeouts (6). However, the Lakeland Flying Tigers registered a two-run double in the seventh and ninth innings, respectively, to rally and knock off the Daytona Tortugas, 4-2, in front of 1,426 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Thursday night.

Daytona's (11-26, 40-62) offense kicked in gear quickly. 3B Austin Callahan (1-4) and SS Trey Faltine (1-3, R, BB, 2 SO) tallied consecutive singles to lead off the bottom of the first, and CF Jay Allen II (0-3, R, SO) was plunked with a pitch to load the bases with nobody out.

After a fielder's choice erased the lead runner at the plate for the first out, LF Justin Boyd (0-4, RBI, 2 SO) smacked a ground ball to short. Lakeland (18-19, 50-53) attempted to turn a double play to escape the jam, but Boyd was able to outrun the relay throw to first. The second-round selection was credited with his first career RBI, giving Daytona a 1-0 lead.

C Logan Tanner (0-4, 2 SO) followed by smashing a grounder to third. The toss across the diamond was low and skipped away from the first baseman. Allen scored, while Boyd advanced to third on the error, putting the Tortugas ahead 2-0.

However, the Tortugas' offense was quieted from that point onward. Daytona picked up just one base knock over the final eight innings on a RF Jack Rogers (1-4, SO) single to left in the third.

The lead was maintained until the Flying Tigers delivered with runners in scoring position in the seventh. LF Iverson Leonardo (0-3, R, BB) reached on a free pass to start the frame and, with one out, 3B-SS Peyton Graham (1-3, 2 R, 2 BB, SO) did the same. DH Manuel Sequera (1-5, 2B, 2 RBI, SO) subsequently squeezed a sharp grounder past the diving third baseman's mitt and into the left-field corner. Two runs scored on the two-bagger, knotting the game at two.

In the ninth, Lakeland rallied again. PR-3B Adinso Reyes (2-3, R) slapped a single through the right side of the infield and Graham followed with one of his own, creating runners at first and second. Two batters later, CF Roberto Campos (2-5, 2B, 2 RBI, SO) smashed a laser down the third-base line. Reyes and Graham scored easily on the 19-year-old's two-RBI double, giving the Flying Tigers their first lead of the day, 4-2.

The Tortugas were able to bring the tying run to the plate in the bottom half of the inning, but could not return the favor. DH Hayden Jones (0-3, BB, 2 SO) secured a two-out walk to keep the game alive, but RHP Blake Holub (1.0 IP, BB, 2 SO) made an athletic play towards the chalk line at third to throw out 2B Johnny Ascanio (0-2, 2 BB, SO) by a step on a soft chopper to end the game, sealing his second save of the year and his career.

RHP Ryan Cardona (4.0 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 6 SO) was marvelous in his fourth start of the campaign for the Tortugas. The 22-year-old tied career-highs with four innings pitched and six strikeouts, not yielding a run in a no-decision.

After yielding two runs in the first, Flying Tigers RHP Garrett Burhenn (6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, ER, 3 BB, 7 SO) permitted just one knock for the rest of his night, also not factoring into the decision.

RHP Erick Pinales (2.0 IP, BB, 2 SO) hurled two hitless frames to garner his fourth win in relief for Lakeland. Daytona's RHP Brett Lockwood (2.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 SO) was saddled with his fourth loss of the campaign.

‘The Nine’ Night returns as the series continues on Friday evening. The Tortugas will pay homage as part of Minor League Baseball’s focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport. Tortugas’ players and coaches will don Best Dressed Uniforms, as well, to pay homage, which will be auctioned off during the season. Prior to the first pitch, fans will also be able to enjoy Live Music from Tropical Drifter on the third-base riverwalk. Friday Night Happy Hour comes back to the ballpark, too, with special discounts on select draft beers at the concession stands. After the game’s final out, fans are encouraged to hang around for a First Friday Fireworks extravaganza.

RHP José Franco (1-6, 4.46) is projected to take the hill for Daytona as they seek to even the series. Lakeland has not yet named a probable for the contest. Coverage on the Tortugas Radio Network will begin on the MiLB First Pitch app and www.daytonatortugas.com at 6:50 p.m. leading up to the 7:05 p.m. first pitch from Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

Multi-game plans, group packages, and single-game tickets are 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 Single-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of Minor League Baseball’s 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 Jackie Robinson Ballpark Museum, and many community events and initiatives of all sizes throughout the year.