O'Guinn blasts Tortugas to third-straight walk-off win, 2-1

Ryan Cardona and Hunter Parks combine on one-hitter in wild victory

LF Jamal O'Guinn provided a walk-off solo home run on the first pitch of the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Daytona Tortugas a 2-1 victory over the Tampa Tarpons before 1,606 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Saturday night. (Aldrin Capulong)

By Justin Rocke

September 11, 2022

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Despite a combined no-hit bid — and a shutout — being broken up with two out in the top of the eighth inning, Daytona still ended the night with a scrum on the diamond. LF Jamal O'Guinn walloped the first pitch of the bottom of the

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Despite a combined no-hit bid — and a shutout — being broken up with two out in the top of the eighth inning, Daytona still ended the night with a scrum on the diamond. LF Jamal O'Guinn walloped the first pitch of the bottom of the ninth for a walk-off solo home run, providing the Tortugas' third-straight walk-off victory in a 2-1 win over the Tampa Tarpons in front of 1,606 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Saturday night.

After a three-hour and 35-minute delay at the start due to rain and lightning, both teams traded zeroes until the bottom of the third. With one out, 2B Braylin Minier (1-3, R, 2B) smashed a bullet ground ball underneath the first baseman's mitt and into the right-field corner for a double. LF-RF Blake Dunn (2-3, 2B, RBI, BB, SO) stepped up with two out and kept a line drive fair down the right-field line for a two-base knock of his own, placing Daytona (25-38, 54-74) in front, 1-0.

RHP Ryan Cardona (4.0 IP, 3 BB, 9 SO) was magnificent on the bump through four innings. The 22-year-old set a new career-high with nine strikeouts before passing the baton to RHP Hunter Parks (5.0 IP, H, R, ER, 4 BB, 7 SO).

Parks kept the combined no-no intact until the top half of the eighth. RF Raimfer Salinas (0-0, R, 3 BB) coaxed his third walk of the day before advancing to second on a groundout. After a swinging strikeout for the frame's second out, C Ben Rice (1-3, 2B, RBI, BB, 2 SO) spoiled the chance at history.

On the third pitch of the at-bat, the Dartmouth College alum laced an outside pitch down the left-field line for a double. Salinas easily scored on the Tarpons' (34-28, 61-67) first hit of the game, tying the contest at one.

Daytona gave themselves a chance to take the lead in the bottom of the eighth, but could not deliver. The Tortugas loaded the bases on a single by Dunn and consecutive walks to C Logan Tanner (1-3, BB, 2 SO) and SS Trey Faltine (0-2, 2 BB, SO), but a swinging strikeout ended the threat.

O'Guinn (1-3, R, HR, RBI) — who entered when RF Yerlin Confidan (0-1, SO) departed in the top of the fourth — eviscerated the first pitch of the final frame on top of the batting cages in left for a walk-off home run. The 380-plus foot blast — his third of the year — sealed Daytona's thrilling 2-1 victory.

Neither starter factored into the decision on Saturday night. Cardona (4.0 IP, 3 BB, 9 SO) set a new career-high in punchouts (9) for the Tortugas, while Tarpons' RHP Zach Messinger (5.0 IP, 2 H, R, ER, BB, 8 SO) matched his career-best in strikeouts with eight.

Daytona's Parks (5.0 IP, H, R, ER, 4 BB, 7 SO) continued his marvelous finish to the season, equaling his career-high in whiffs (7) and innings pitched (5.0) to earn his fourth win of 2022.

RHP Shaine McNeely (0.1 IP, H, R, ER, 2 BB, SO) was saddled with his second defeat of the campaign for Tampa.

The regular season concludes on Sunday. The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a Military Appreciation Hat presented by Daytona Beach International Airport, rescheduled from the postponed game on Friday, August 12. The Tortugas will also don patriotic-themed Best Dressed Uniforms that will be auctioned off online through the team website. It will also be First Responders Night with special discounted tickets available through the appropriate FEVO link. The home schedule also closes with Shelldon’s Family Fun Day. Members of the brand-new kids and family plan receive tickets to every Sunday home game in addition to a Tortugas’ hat, a meal voucher — good for a free hot dog, popcorn, and a small fountain drink — at the gates. After the final out, youngsters take the diamond with Kids Run The Bases presented by Neighbor’s Ice Cream Parlor.

RHP Zach Maxwell (0-0, 2.70) anticipates making the first start of his professional career for the Tortugas in the season finale. The Tarpons have not announced a probable starter for the season-ender as of press time. Coverage on the Tortugas Radio Network will begin on the MiLB First Pitch app and www.daytonatortugas.com at 5:20 p.m. leading up to the 5:35 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.