Stewart Connects for First Pro Homer, but Tortugas Fall 8-3

DAYTONA BEACH—Sal Stewart had two hits and connected for his first professional home run, but the Daytona Tortugas fell for a second straight night, dropping an 8-3 contest on Friday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

Palm Beach (8-3) rapped out 14 hits as they pulled away from a Daytona (5-2) squad that has now lost two straight following a 5-0 start.

After a scoreless first, the Tortugas struck first in the second. Stewart singled and stole second before Logan Tanner singled to left. Stewart was held at third, but the throw into the infield was dropped and rolled away, allowing Stewart to scamper home. One batter later, Michel Triana roped a triple into the gap in right-center to put Daytona ahead 2-0.

After facing the minimum through three innings, thanks in large part to a pair of double plays, Daytona starter Johnathan Harmon ran into trouble in the fourth. With one out, Chris Rotondo reached on a dropped third strike, giving Palm Beach an extra out they took advantage of. With two outs, Leonardo Bernal doubled in Rotondo, which was followed by an infield single and a two-run double by Joshua Baez that put the Cardinals ahead 3-2.

Harmon then gave way to Chris McElvain, who allowed two hits to begin his outing in the fifth. However, a bizarre 7-2-4-1 play ended with McElvain tagging a runner out at the plate, which was a major factor in him escaping the fifth with no runs. In the sixth, though, he was not as lucky.

A single and double put two men in scoring position with no outs for Michael Curriale, who lofted a sacrifice fly to double the lead to 4-2. After a strikeout, Trejyn Fletcher roped an RBI double to bring in a second tally, putting Palm Beach ahead 5-2.

From there, the Cardinals were in command. Starter Max Rajcic went 5.2 innings, becoming the first starter to work into the sixth against Daytona, and retiring 13 of his final 14 hitters.

The score remained 5-2 into the ninth, at which point Palm Beach pushed the lead out further. With two on and two outs, Bernal singled in a run. Curialle followed with a fly ball to center that was mishandled for a three-base error which scored two more runs.

Stewart led off the bottom of the ninth with a 406-foot blast to dead center and Daytona put two more men aboard, but a fielder’s choice ended the contest with Palm Beach coming away with an 8-3 victory.

Saturday is Jackie Robinson Day at the ballpark. It is also our first The Nine night of the season, which will feature a Jackie Robinson #9 shirsey giveaway to the first 1,000 fans through the gates. We will also have a fish and chips special (Jackie’s favorite!) and celebrate Military Appreciation Night with free admission to all active duty military and veterans with a valid ID. RHP Mason Pelio (1-0, 7.36) will start for Daytona opposite LHP Pete Hansen (0-0, 4.50) for Palm Beach. First pitch will be at 6:35 with gates opening at 5:30. The Voice of the Tortugas, Brennan Mense, will have pregame coverage on the Daytona Tortugas Radio Network and Bally Live beginning at 6:20.

Daytona Tortugas single-game tickets and ticket packages are on sale now at daytonatortugas.com, (386) 257-3172, or the box office at 110 East Orange Ave.

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