Tortugas erase seven-run deficit, but Threshers prevail in 10

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Trailing 7-0 going to the bottom of the sixth, Daytona rallied for seven consecutive runs to force extra innings. However, a two-run home run from CF Johan Rojas in the top of the 10th proved to be the difference, as the Clearwater Threshers hung on to outslug the Tortugas, 10-9, in front of 1,070 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Saturday night.

Clearwater LHP Rafael Marcano (5.0 IP, 8 SO) began the night by dominating Tortuga hitters over five innings. The 21-year-old retired all 15 batters he faced and struck out eight before handing the perfect-game bid to the bullpen.

After the leadoff batter was retired, 1B Leo Seminati (1-3, 2 R, 2B, BB, 2 SO) walked to break up the perfect game. 2B Ranser Amador (3-4, 3 R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI, SO) subsequently rocketed a line drive in the left-center field gap. Seminati scored from first on the two-base hit to break up the shutout. A batter later, CF Allan Cerda (2-5, RBI, SO) poked an RBI single to left, guiding Daytona within 7-2.

In the eighth, the Tortugas offense really began to percolate. Seminati began the inning with a double and immediately scored on a single to center from Amador. After a two-out walk to LF Wendell Marrero (0-4, 2 R, BB, 3 SO), DH Garrett Wolforth (2-5, 2 R, 2 HR, 5 RBI, SO) unloaded a towering drive over the right-center field wall for a three-run home run. His second of the year drew the ‘Tugas within one, 7-6.

Down to their final two outs in the ninth, Amador stepped in and walloped a 2-1 delivery. The 22-year-old’s blast was a game-tying solo home run to right-center, nearly in the same spot as Wolforth’s drive. The long ball was Amador’s first of the year and his first since June 29, 2018, as a member of the Dominican Summer League Reds.

Even at seven into extras, the Tortugas were forced to call upon infielder Gus Steiger (1.0 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER) to pitch the 10th. With an automatic runner at second, he yielded an RBI single to 2B Luis García (3-5, 3 R, 2B, RBI, BB) to start the attack, giving Clearwater the lead back, 8-7. Rojas (3-6, 2 R, 3B, HR, 2 RBI, SO) proceeded to crank a two-run home run on top of the batting cages in left — his third of the year and second in the series — to extend the visitor’s advantage to 10-7.

Daytona continued to refuse to go down without a fight. Given the automatic runner at second to begin the frame, as well, Wolforth demolished the initial pitch of the inning out of sight to right. His second long ball of the game and third of the campaign drew the Tortugas back within a tally, 10-9.

That would be as close as they would get, however, as RHP Tyler Burch (1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, ER, 4 SO) retired the next three hitters in order to seal the Threshers' win and his second of the year.

Despite his perfect outing, Marcano was saddled with a no-decision for the Phillies’ affiliate. His counterpart, RHP Tanner Cooper (1.0 IP, 2 H, R, ER, 2 BB, SO) took a no-decision in his second professional start. The Tortugas right-hander lasted only one frame due to a high pitch count. Steiger took the defeat in his first pitching appearance since, at least, high school.

The Threshers tallied the game's first seven runs. In the opening inning, SS Casey Martin (2-6, R, 2B, 3 RBI) poked a run-scoring single. Two frames later, Martin drove an RBI double and DH Juan Aparicio (2-5, RBI).

Up by three, Clearwater added three more in the fourth via a two-run 1B Rixon Wingrove (1-4, 2 RBI, BB, SO) and a fielder’s choice off the bat of Martin. A wild pitch in the fifth enabled the Threshers to pad their early lead to 7-0.

The six-game homestand wraps up on Sunday evening with a Bark in the Park and Tiny ‘Tugas Night. For just $2, fans can purchase a “pooch pass” so their four-legged friend can enjoy a nine-inning vacation of their own. All Tiny ‘Tuga members will be able to participate in activities during the contest. Fans will also be able to enjoy drink specials courtesy of the Tortugas’ Yappy Hours, featuring $4 16 oz. Bud Light and Michelob Ultra hard seltzers.

Daytona is projected to hand the ball to RHP Case Williams (0-1, 4.20) — the No. 22 prospect in the Cincinnati Reds’ system per MLB Pipeline — for the series finale. Clearwater is projected to counter with RHP Rodolfo Sánchez (0-1, 6.75). Gates open at 4:30 p.m. and the first pitch of the series finale is scheduled for 5:35. Coverage on the Tortugas Radio Network and www.daytonatortugas.com will begin with the Pregame Show starting at 6:50 p.m. ET.

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 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.