Jupiter jumps Daytona in ninth, rally to win, 5-4

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Just two outs shy of consecutive home victories, Jupiter rallied to score four runs on three hits in the top of the ninth to snatch victory away from Daytona. The Hammerheads emerged with a 5-4 victory over the Tortugas in front of a sellout crowd of 1,189 at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Friday night.

Daytona (8-8) held a 4-1 advantage heading into the final frame, but DH Federico Polanco (1-4, R) singled and C Cameron Barstad (1-3, 2 R, HR, RBI, BB, SO) walked to bring the tying run to the plate.

Following a run-scoring single by LF Troy Johnston (1-3, R, RBI, BB) that cut the opponent’s deficit to two, the Tortugas mustered a foul out to first before consecutive free passes pulled the Hammerheads (7-9) within a run, 4-3.

A call to the bullpen for Daytona was not enough to seal the deal. 2B Osiris Johnson (1-5, 2 RBI) greeted the new arm by stroking a 2-2 pitch into right field for a hit. Two runs scored on the opposite-field knock, giving Jupiter their first lead of the night, 5-4.

That was more than enough for RHP Justin Sterner (2.0 IP, 5 SO). The Brigham Young alum struck out the side in order in the ninth to close out Jupiter’s come-from-behind win and his second triumph of the season.

The evening started pleasantly for the Tortugas. 2B Tyler Callihan (2-4, R, 2B) doubled to lead off the home half of the first before scooting to third on a wild pitch and then scoring the game’s opening run on a balk.

Later in the opening frame, with one on and two out, CF Allan Cerda (1-4, R, HR, 2 RBI, SO) launched an offering over the batting cages in left for a two-run home run. The 21-year-old’s fourth of the season stretched the early lead to 3-0.

LF Danny Lantigua (2-4, R, HR, RBI, 2 SO) added to the advantage in the second. On the first pitch he saw, the switch-hitter hit a cloud-scraping fly ball to left. Lantigua’s clout traveled over the left-field wall for a solo home run, his second of the season, to make it a 4-0 affair.

Jupiter managed to get on the board in the top of the fourth on a solo homer to right by Barstad.

Neither starter factored into the decision on Friday. RHP Case Williams (5.0 IP, 2 H, R, ER, 3 BB) yielded one run over five full innings for the Tortugas. His counterpart, Hammerheads RHP George Soriano (4.0 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 5 SO) issued all four runs.

Daytona RHP Jake Gozzo (0.1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB) was saddled with his second loss out of the bullpen.

The Tortugas will begin their monthly Copa de la Diversión celebration on Saturday night. In addition to players and coaches wearing special uniforms to mark the occasion, there will be special on-field promotions and games as a part of Minor League Baseball’s initiative.

RHP James Proctor (1-0, 0.75 ERA) is expected to make his third professional start for Daytona on Saturday evening. Jupiter is slated to counter with RHP Matt Givin (0-0, 3.48 ERA).

Season ticket, multi-game plans, group packages, and more 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 Low-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of Minor League Baseball’s Low-A Southeast. The Tortugas play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in downtown Daytona Beach. 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.