Pitching propels Daytona to twinbill split

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — After Friday's game was washed out, Daytona's pitching staff showed zero signs of rust on Saturday evening. The Tortugas did not allow a single run over the final 13 frames of the doubleheader, as the Jupiter Hammerheads captured game one, 2-0, while Daytona snared the nightcap, 4-0, before 1,750 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

In the finale, the Tortugas (1-1, 30-37) jumped to a lead in short order. 2B Tyler Callihan (0-2, R, BB) reached on a walk to start the home first and promptly stole second base. CF Jay Allen II (1-3, R, 2B, RBI) smashed a liner into the right-center field. Callihan came home to score, while the 19-year-old swam around the tag and slid in safely to second with a double, putting Daytona ahead, 1-0.

1B Jack Rogers (0-3, SO) reached on a dropped third strike wild pitch, enabling Allen to advance to third. Following a fly out to left and a hit-by-pitch, LF Jamal O'Guinn (1-3, R, 2B, RBI) stroked a ground ball to the shortstop. However, the leather went through the infielder's legs and everyone was safe. Allen scored on the fielding error to stretch the lead to 2-0.

Daytona added to their advantage in the fourth. O'Guinn pounded a leadoff double into left-center field to ignite a rally before C Hayden Jones (1-3, 2B, RBI, SO) fell behind in the count 0-2. The Huntertown, Ind. native did not falter, though, as he rifled the fourth pitch of the plate appearance off the wall in left. O'Guinn crossed the dish, while Jones moved into second with a two-bagger, bringing the Tortugas edge to 3-0.

SS Steven Leyton (1-2, R, HR, RBI) capped off game two in the sixth. The León, Nicaragua resident was able to barrel up a low offering and charge out to left field. Leyton's clout banged off the netting of the batting cages beyond the fence for a solo home run. The 23-year-old's second of the series and fourth of the year, pushed Daytona's cushion to four, 4-0.

That was more than enough run support for the 'Tugas. RHP Javi Rivera (4.0 IP, 2 H, BB, 6 SO) was surgical over the first four innings before handing the ball to RHP Tanner Cooper (3.0 IP, 2 H, 5 SO) to begin the fifth. The third-year pro closed out the final three frames — earning his fourth win — to seal the doubleheader split.

In the nightcap, Jupiter (1-1, 35-31) was unable to place a runner past second base and did not have a man in scoring position from the third inning onward.

RHP Holt Jones (0.2 IP, H, 2 R, 2 ER, BB, SO) was unable to escape the first inning for the Hammerheads, throwing 34 pitches and suffering his fourth defeat.

Jupiter struck early in the opener and was able to buoy that throughout the contest. SS José Salas (1-3, R, SO) collected a one-out single to center to start the Hammerheads' half of the first and took second on a walk to DH Kahlil Watson (0-2, R, BB, SO).

After a wild pitch advanced the runners to second and third, 1B Zach Zubia (2-3, 2 RBI, SO) smacked a one-base knock into left-center field. Both men came home on the single, granting the Marlins' affiliate a 2-0 lead.

Daytona had opportunities scattered throughout the lid-lifter, but could not capitalize. In the first, consecutive singles from SS Steven Leyton (1-3) and 3B Tyler Callihan (1-3), plus a wild pitch, placed runners at second and third with one out, but a strikeout and a fly ball to right quelled the threat.

The Tortugas' best opportunity came in the fourth. Daytona loaded the bags on a RF Jack Rogers' (1-2) single, a walk to 1B Yassel Pino (0-2, BB, SO), and another base-hit to right from C Wilfred Astudillo (1-3). A fielder's choice to first erased the lead runner coming home and a four-pitch punch out effectively ended the attack.

LHP Justin Fall (5.2 IP, 5 H, BB, 3 SO) fell one out shy of completing six full innings but was awarded his fourth win for his shutout effort. RHP Yeuris Jiménez (1.1 IP) entered in the bottom of the sixth and registered the game's final four outs to record the first save of his professional career.

RHP Hunter Parks (4.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO) performed admirably after permitting a pair of runs in the first. The 21-year-old struck out a career-high seven hitters but was saddled with his first defeat of the season.

The homestand comes to a close on Sunday 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 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.

The Tortugas will try to secure a series victory in the finale with RHP Ryan Cardona (3-1, 2.93) expected to toe the slab and make his first start of the year. The Hammerheads are scheduled to counter with LHP Sandro Bargallo (1-1, 2.83). 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

Season tickets, 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.