Vellojín & Vin power Daytona to victory over Lakeland, 3-1

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - C Daniel Vellojín’s fly ball found a hole in the Lakeland defense in the eighth to put Daytona in front and RHP Vin Timpanelli entered and slammed the door shut in the ninth, as the Tortugas rallied to defeat the Lakeland Flying Tigers, 3-1, on Tuesday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in front of 1,741 fans.

Tied at one heading to the Daytona’s (21-28) half of the eighth, RF Gus Steiger (1-3, R, 2 SO) reached on a bunt single and 2B Brandon Leyton (2-4, R) followed with a line drive to center. However, consecutive strikeouts deflated the rally.

Following a double steal of second and third, Vellojín (1-4, 2B, 2 RBI, SO) swung at the first pitch and popped a high fly down the left-field line. While it looked like the defense was camped under it, the ball was lost in the lights or spun in a different direction due to the wind. Despite a lunging attempt, the ball bounced onto the outfield turf for a hit. Both men scored, as Vellojín slid into second with a two-run double, giving the ‘Tugas their first lead, 3-1.

Timpanelli (1.0 IP, 2 SO) entered in the ninth and orchestrated his most dominant performance yet. The 22-year-old dialed up 98 mph on the radar gun several times, recording a pair of strikeouts and a grounder to third to seal the victory and his Low-A Southeast-leading fifth save of the season.

Lakeland (16-31) managed to get on the board first in the top of the sixth. 2B Álvaro González (2-3, R, BB) singled through the right side to start the inning before advancing to second on a wild pitch. The 20-year-old scooted to third on a ground out before crossing the plate on another errant pitch, giving the Flying Tigers the edge, 1-0.

It did not last long, though. With nobody on and two out in the bottom of the inning, DH Garrett Wolforth (2-4, R, HR, RBI, SO) struck a laser down the line in left. The Montgomery, Texas native’s shot hooked around the fair side of the pole for a game-tying solo home run. Wolforth’s team-leading fifth of the season tied it at one.

RHP Brett Lockwood (2.O IP, H, BB, 5 SO) continued his impressive month of June. The Tortugas right-hander tied a career-best with five strikeouts over two scoreless frames to earn the first victory of his professional career. RHP Williander Moreno (1.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 SO) permitted the go-ahead runs to cross in the eighth for the Flying Tigers, suffering his second defeat.

Neither starter factored into the decision. RHP Miguel Medrano (4.0 IP, 5 H, 3 BB, 3 SO) scattered five walks and three hits over four scoreless for Daytona, while Lakeland’s RHP Dario Gardea (4.0 IP, 3 H, 6 SO) punched out six in his first start.

It will be a Wishful Wednesday at The Jack tomorrow night, presented by VyStar Credit Union. The Tortugas will partner with a deserving local charity to raise money and awareness for a worthy cause. Starting at just $14, patrons will be able to enjoy all-you-can-eat hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, and popcorn thanks to a Belly Buster Wednesday presented by Marco’s Pizza. Courtesy of Landshark, souvenir cup holders will also be able to enjoy refills at concession stands for just $3.

Coming off the best start of his young career, RHP Case Williams (0-4, 7.39) — Cincinnati’s No. 21 prospect per MLB Pipeline — is expected to take the hill for Daytona. RHP Nick Davila (2-1, 0.95) anticipates making the first start of his pro career for Lakeland. Gates open at 6 p.m., while coverage on the Tortugas Radio Network will begin on the MiLB First Pitch app and www.daytonatortugas.com at 6:50 p.m. The first pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m.

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.