Franco Makes Triumphant Return as Tortugas Fall 5-3

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla—Righthander Jose Franco struck out seven batters over 4.0 solid innings in his return from Tommy John surgery, but the Palm Beach Cardinals broke a tie game open against the bullpen to claim a 5-3 victory over the Daytona Tortugas on Wednesday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

Palm Beach (4-1) continued an excellent run of pitching to start the season in which they’ve posted a 2.15 ERA over the first five games of the year, while Daytona (2-3) has now dropped their first two games at home this season.

Franco made his first appearance in 606 days and began the night in style, striking out two batters in a 1-2-3 first inning. However, in the second an infield single began the inning. Ross Friedrick then stepped in and deposited a 402-foot rocket well over the right field wall for a two-run blast that put Palm Beach up 2-0.

Daytona, though, had an immediate answer against Palm Beach starter Darlin Saladin. Johnny Ascanio singled with one out and Jack Moss lifted a fly ball to center field. Palm Beach centerfielder Jose Cordoba misplayed it, though, and it sailed over his head for an RBI double as Ascanio raced home from first. After a flyout moved Moss to third, Luis Leones dropped down a perfect bunt single to score Moss, tying the game at two.

Franco returned and brushed off a two-out walk in the third as he struck out two more batters in the frame. He navigated around a one-out single in the fourth as well to end his night, working 4.0 solid innings in which he allowed two runs on three hits with one walk and seven strikeouts.

Anyer Laureano entered in a tie game in the fifth and recorded the first out quickly. However, a hit batter was quickly followed by a Chase Davis RBI double. A dropped third strike then resulted in a throwing error which put runners on second and third before a walk loaded the bases. Cordoba was then plunked, forcing Davis across the plate. Laureano was able to escape without further damage, but the Cardinals had pulled in front 4-2.

Saladin (1-0) finished a 5.0-inning outing in line for the win after allowing just the two runs while totaling six strikeouts and retiring seven of his last eight hitters before giving way to Ixan Henderson, who threw a 1-2-3 sixth.

In the seventh, Yassel Pino created a run, drawing a leadoff walk, then stealing second, with an errant throw sailing into center allowing him to reach third. A balk followed to score Pino, closing the gap to 4-3.

On the other side, Nick Sando had entered the game for Daytona in the sixth and had cruised through two scoreless frames with little trouble. However, Friedrick led off the eighth with an infield single and moved to second on an error. Two batters later, Brayden Jobert singled home Friedrick to get the run right back, extending the lead back to two runs.

After that point, the only Daytona baserunner was a two-out double from Ascanio in the eighth. Otherwise, Henderson shut down Daytona, allowing just one hit and an unearned tally over the final 4.0 innings as he earned a 12-out save.

The Tortugas will play game three of a six-game series against the Palm Beach Cardinals on Wednesday night. Daytona will start RHP Brian Edgington (0-0, 2.25) against Palm Beach RHP Jason Savacool (2024 debut). Tomorrow is the debut of Taps and Tacos with half priced beer and sodas and taco specials. First pitch from Jackie Robinson Ballpark is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. with gates opening at 5:30. Pregame coverage on the Tortugas Radio network with Brennan Mense begins at 6:20 p.m.