Holland, Rodriguez lead Mussels to 7-5 win over Jupiter

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 17, 2021) – Will Holland drove in three runs and Orlando Rodriguez went seven strong innings Saturday, leading the Mighty Mussels to a 7-5 victory over the Jupiter Hammerheads at Hammond Stadium.

Rodriguez became the first Mighty Mussels (36-29) pitcher to complete seven innings this season, allowing just one run in his debut in the Minnesota Twins organization. Rodriguez (1-0) was signed out of the Frontier League earlier this week. He struck out six and walked one.

Holland reached base three times, going 2-for-3 with 3 RBI and a walk. He delivered his fifth home run of the season in the fifth inning, a 398-foot solo shot to left center.

With Jupiter (29-35) leading 1-0 in the bottom of the third, Ruben Santana dragged a bunt single to start the inning. After a walk and hit batter loaded the bases, the next two Mussels struck out. With two outs, Holland delivered a two-run single to left to put Fort Myers in front 2-1.

With Fort Myers still leading 2-1 in the bottom of the fourth, Charles Mack lined a single to left before Santana walked. After a wild pitch advanced Mack to third, Jeferson Morales socked a sacrifice fly to deep left center to extend the lead to 3-1.

After the Holland homer made it 4-1, the Mussels loaded the bases again in the sixth. With two outs, Aaron Sabato lined a base hit to center to score two. The throw from center caromed off Misael Urbina and into the third base dugout, allowing him to score and cap the inning at 7-1.

The Hammerheads rallied for four runs in the top of the ninth, but Denny Bentley came in to record the final two outs and notch his team-leading sixth save of the year.

The Mighty Mussels look to earn a series split at 12 p.m. on Sunday. Zarion Sharpe (3-1, 4.71) makes the start for Fort Myers, opposed by Matt Givin (1-5, 3.48) of the Hammerheads. Coverage begins at 11:45 a.m. on the Mighty Mussels Baseball Network.