Case, bullpen confound Lakeland in three-hit shutout, 5-0

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - RHP Case Williams set the tone for Daytona’s pitching staff, tying career bests in innings pitched and strikeouts. RHPs Frainger Aranguren and Sam Hellinger took the baton from there and closed out a three-hit shutout, as the Tortugas tripped up the Lakeland Flying Tigers, 5-0, in front of 1,570 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Wednesday night.

Scoreless heading to the home half of the fifth, CF Gus Steiger (1-4, R, SO) ignited the offense with a one-out single to right. 2B Brandon Leyton (2-4, 2 R, 2B, RBI, BB) proceeded to smash a line drive into the right-center field gap. Steiger dashed around the bags to score from first on the two-base hit, giving Daytona (22-28) a 1-0 lead.

After a pop-out and a pitching change, C Garrett Wolforth (2-5, 3B, RBI, 2 SO) scalded a drive into the right-field corner. Leyton scored easily, as the 23-year-old slid into third with an RBI triple to extend the advantage to two.

An inning later, the Tortugas were percolating again. SS Ivan Johnson (2-4, R, 2B) skied a fly ball to right-center, but a feet-first sliding attempt came up short. The Atlanta, Ga. native never stopped hustling and slid into second with a double. Trailing a strikeout, 3B Debby Santana (1-4, RBI) stung a grounder through the hole between first and second. Johnson motored around third and slid in headfirst underneath the tag from an accurate throw, giving Daytona a three-run cushion.

In the eighth, Daytona snagged a few insurance runs to put the game on ice. With walks to LF Leo Seminati (1-3, R, BB, SO) and Leyton putting men at first and second, 1B Michel Triana (2-5, 2 2B, 2 RBI) rifled a rising liner to right. The shot sailed over the right fielder’s head and bounced off the padded outfield wall. Both runners crossed on the double to put the Tortugas in the driver’s seat, 5-0.

Just one tally was enough for the ‘Tugas sparkling pitching staff on Wednesday. Williams (5.0 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 6 SO) matched career-bests in innings pitched (5.0) and strikeouts (6) to earn the first victory of his professional career. Aranguren (1.0 IP, SO) twirled a perfect sixth before handing the reigns to Hellinger (3.0 IP, H, BB, 5 SO) for his Daytona debut. The 26-year-old faced one over the minimum in three innings to earn his second save of the season and his first for the Tortugas.

RHP Nick Davila (4.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 SO) was strong for Lakeland (16-32) in his first professional start. The former University of South Florida Bull was saddled with his second defeat of the campaign, however, after yielding a pair in the fifth.

The biggest party in Central Florida returns to Minor League Baseball’s most historic ballpark with a Bud Light Thirsty Thursday. Fans in attendance will be able to enjoy drink specials on draft beers and fountain sodas all night long, starting at just $1.

RHP Jason Parker (1-1, 4.71) is expected to take the hill for Daytona, as they search for their third-consecutive win. Lakeland is projected to counter with RHP Ted Stuka (1-4, 7.57) 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.