Triana, pitching push Daytona to twinbill split

Cuban native’s first professional home run leads Daytona to 2-1 win in game two; Threshers take opener, 1-0

1B Michel Triana thwacked his first professional home run in game two, guiding Daytona to a 2-1 victory. Clearwater captured the opener, 1-0, as the Tortugas earned a doubleheader split on Friday night at BayCare Ballpark. (Aldrin Capulong)

By Justin Rocke

June 25, 2021

CLEARWATER, Fla. - 1B Michel Triana’s two-run home run in the top of the first inning was more than enough offense for Daytona, as they captured the nightcap from Clearwater, 2-1. RHP Fernando Lozano and LHP Jordi Martinez combined on a 1-0, three-hit shutout for the Threshers in game one,

CLEARWATER, Fla. - 1B Michel Triana’s two-run home run in the top of the first inning was more than enough offense for Daytona, as they captured the nightcap from Clearwater, 2-1. RHP Fernando Lozano and LHP Jordi Martinez combined on a 1-0, three-hit shutout for the Threshers in game one, as the Tortugas split a doubleheader at BayCare Ballpark on Friday night.

With nobody on and one out in the top of the first of the second contest, DH Daniel Vellojín (1-3, R) smashed a single through the box on the first offering he saw. Two pitches later, Triana (1-3, R, HR, 2 RBI, 2 SO) swatted a high, towering drive to right-center. The fly ball sailed over the fence for a two-run blast — the first of Triana’s professional career — to put Daytona (20-26) on the board, 2-0.

Clearwater (23-23) started to chip away with two out in the third. RF Yhoswar García (1-3, R) singled to center and took second on a wild pitch. SS Luis García (1-3, RBI) proceeded to dunk a soft fly ball onto the grass in shallow left. Yhoswar made the break for home as Daytona SS Brandon Leyton fielded the ball to his right and made an accurate toss home. The 19-year-old scored just ahead of the tag, pulling the Threshers within a tally, 2-1.

That was as close as the Threshers would get in the nightcap. RHP José Franco (4.0 IP, 3 H, R, ER, 3 SO) induced a line out to left to end the third and retired Clearwater in order to finish his night in the fourth with a no-decision.

RHP Hayden Shenefield (3.0 IP, H) entered in the fifth and slammed the door on any possible comeback attempt. The 26-year-old permitted a two-out single in his first inning of work but retired the final seven batters he faced in a row to seal the 2-1 win and his first affiliated victory.

RHP Cristian Hernández (5.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 7 SO) allowed just one more baserunner after the Triana home run, but the offense could not get him off the hook. The right-hander was saddled with his third defeat of the season.

Pitching was at the forefront of the ballgame in the lid-lifter, as well. With no score entering the bottom of the third, DH Baron Radcliff (0-0, R, BB) ignited a rally with a leadoff walk. Following a hit-and-run single to right by 3B Edgar Madé (1-2, SO), Clearwater had first and third and one out.

CF Yhoswar García (0-3, RBI, 2 SO) stepped in and rolled a soft ground ball to short. The Tortugas were able to get the force at second but were unable to complete the double play. Radcliff crossed on the fielder’s choice, giving the Threshers the lead, 1-0.

Daytona put the tying run aboard in the fourth, fifth, and seventh innings, but could not push the man across.

In the opener, LHP Jordi Martínez (3.0 IP, H, BB, 2 SO) emerged out of the bullpen in the fifth and allowed just two batters to reach, sealing his third victory of the season for the Threshers. RHP Fernando Lozano (4.0 IP, 2 H, 3 SO) was impressive over four innings in his first professional start but took a no-decision.

RHP Jason Parker (5.0 IP, 3 H, R, ER, BB, 4 SO) was outstanding yet again for the ‘Tugas but ended up suffering the first defeat of his career.

With series even at two apiece, RHP James Marinan (0-0, 13.50) is expected to make his first start of the campaign for Daytona. Clearwater projects to counter with Philadelphia’s 2020 first-round selection RHP Mick Abel (0-2, 4.91). Coverage on the Tortugas Radio Network will begin on the MiLB First Pitch app and www.daytonatortugas.com at 6:15 p.m. The first pitch is slated for 6:30 p.m.

Daytona will return home to open up their Independence Day Homestand on Tuesday, June 29, against the Lakeland Flying Tigers, the Low-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. It will be a Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Radiology Associates Imaging, as Daytona players and coaches will don special pink-tinted uniforms to mark the occasion. Silver Sluggers Night — the best club in baseball for fans 60-and-over — presented by Conviva Cares Solutions will also be a part of the festivities. Fans can get in on deals at the concession stand with $2.50 Michelob Ultra draft beers.

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.