Three combine on three-hit shutout, as Daytona blanks Jupiter, 5-0

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — For the second time in three games, Daytona's pitching staff was untouchable. The team carried a combined no-hitter into the seventh, as RHPs Sam Benschoter, José Franco, and Ryan Cardona united on a three-hit shutout in the Tortugas' 5-0 victory over the Jupiter Hammerheads in front of 1,448 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Saturday night.

Scoreless through two and a half, Daytona (12-14) percolated in the third. C Wilfred Astudillo (1-4, SO) started the rally with a first-pitch single to left but was immediately erased on a fielder's choice.

After SS Gus Steiger (0-4, R) advanced to second on a wild pitch, RF Austin Hendrick (1-4, R, 2B, RBI, 2 SO) sent a line drive into right for a base knock. Steiger scored easily, while the 20-year-old hustled into second with a double to put the Tortugas ahead 1-0.

CF Jay Allen II (2-4, R, 2 2B) continued the onslaught by drifting a fly ball to right. With 20 mph wind gusts out to that part of the ballpark, the shot sailed off the right-field wall. Hendrick had to hold up at second to make sure it wasn't caught, advancing only one base to third, while Allen motored into second with a two-bagger.

A five-pitch walk to LF Jamal O'Guinn (0-2, R, 2 BB, SO) loaded the bags for 1B Michel Triana (2-4, R, HR, 4 RBI, SO). On the first pitch he saw, the 23-year-old blasted a ball out of sight beyond the auxiliary parking lot behind the right-field fence. Triana's grand slam — his first home run of the season — stretched the Daytona advantage to 5-0.

That was more than enough offense for the Tortugas' pitching staff. Benschoter (5.0 IP, 3 BB, 6 SO) marveled with his second shutout and hitless performance of the year, tossing five strong frames to start, earning his second victory.

The Tecumseh, Mich. native handed the reigns over to Franco (3.0 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 6 SO) who carried the hitless bid into the seventh. Following a pair of walks in the frame, 3B Javier Sanoja (1-3) broke up the no-hitter with an 0-2 single to center, loading the bases. Franco managed to keep the shutout intact, though, inducing a swinging strikeout to end the rally.

In the ninth, Cardona (1.0 IP, H) permitted a leadoff single, but that was the only baserunner he'd allow. The Livingston, N.J. native forced a fly ball to center and a line-drive unassisted double play to first to end the game, securing Daytona's second shutout win of the series and third of the year.

RHP Gabe Bierman (3.0 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO) surrendered all five of the game's runs in the third and suffered his first loss of the season for Jupiter (13-13).

The series wraps up on Sunday with the Tortugas' Mother's Day Celebration Extravaganza. There will be flower giveaways throughout the contest, raffles awarded each inning featuring special prizes, and fans can enjoy Mama’s Porch Rocker drink specials at the concession stands. As part of the festivities, moms and their guests are advised to arrive early to have a catch on the legendary Jackie Robinson Ballpark field. The homestand finale also brings a Shelldon’s Family Fun Night. 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 are expected to give the ball to RHP Arij Fransen (1-1, 5.63), who earned the victory in relief on Tuesday night. The Hammerheads are projected to counter with LHP Sandro Bargallo (1-0, 0.48). 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.