Marauders squeak past Tortugas in opener, 6-5

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - 1B Michel Triana snapped an 0-for-20 slide with a pair of hits and three RBI, but it was Bradenton’s four-run eighth inning that proved to be the difference-maker, as the Marauders eked out a 6-5 victory against the Daytona Tortugas before 1,587 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Tuesday night.

Tied at two headed to the eighth, CF Hudson Head (0-4, R, BB, 2 SO) drew a one-out walk to start the Marauders’ (39-21) rally. Following a fielder’s choice that didn’t register an out and an infield single from 3B Dariel López (3-4, 2 R, 2B, SO), LF Sammy Siani (1-3, 3 RBI, 2 SO) lifted a sacrifice fly to center to put Bradenton ahead 3-2.

On the very next pitch, RF Jack Herman (1-4, R, HR, 3 RBI) — who was added to the Marauders’ roster from the Florida Complex League earlier in the day — deposited a ball on top of the batting cages in straightaway left for a three-run home run. His third overall long ball of the season — and his first with Bradenton — stretched the visitors’ advantage to four, 6-2.

Daytona (28-33) refused to quit and immediately sparked a rebuttal in the bottom of the frame. RF Ranser Amador (1-4, R, 3 SO) reached on an infield single and took second on a throwing error before scoring on a pair of wild pitches to pull within three, 6-3.

3B Gus Steiger (1-4, 2 R, BB, SO) drew a walk to continue the rally and, following a fly out to center, SS Ivan Johnson (2-3, 2 R, 2B, BB) singled and LF Wendell Marrero (0-3, BB, SO) earned a free pass to load the bases.

Triana (2-4, 3 RBI) dug in and stung a ground ball through the right side of the infield. Two runs scored on the single to draw the Tortugas within a single run, 6-5.

That was as close as the ‘Tugas would get, however. RHP Enmanuel Mejia (1.2 IP, H, BB, 2 SO) bent, but would not break, as he induced a double play to end the eighth with the tying and go-ahead runs aboard.

In the ninth, Daytona weaseled a one-out walk against the right-hander, but back-to-back strikeouts sealed a Bradenton victory and Mejia’s seventh save.

Bradenton snatched an early lead in the top of the first. C Endy Rodríguez (0-3, 2 R, BB) walked with one down and López followed with a ground-rule double to right. Siani delivered a two-run knock to center, giving the Marauders a 2-0 edge.

The Tortugas drew even in the bottom of the fourth. Steiger and 2B Brandon Leyton (1-4) singled to ignite the fray and Johnson promptly drew a walk to load the bases. After a line-drive double play erased the runner at second, Steiger crossed on a wild pitch to make it a one-run affair. Triana later smacked a run-scoring single up the middle to tie it at a pair.

RHP Ryan Troutman (1.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB) yielded three runs but earned his second win of the season for Bradenton. While he pitched better than the line showed, Daytona’s RHP Sam Hellinger (3.1 IP, H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO) suffered his first defeat.

Neither starter factored into the decision. In his Jackie Robinson Ballpark debut, RHP Bryce Bonnin (4.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, BB, 3 SO) racked up three punchouts for the ‘Tugas. RHP Luis Ortiz (6.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO) earned his second-straight no-decision for the Marauders.

The homestand continues with a Marco’s Pizza Belly Buster Wednesday. Starting at just $14, fans can enjoy all-you-can-eat hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and Marco’s Pizza all evening long. Additionally, it will be another VyStar Credit Union Wishful Wednesday at The Jack. This Wednesday, the Tortugas will partner with the Easter Seals to raise money and awareness for their worthy cause. Courtesy of Landshark, souvenir cup holders will also be able to enjoy refills at concession stands for just $3.

RHP Nick Garcia (4-2, 3.21) is scheduled to make his fifth start of the campaign for Bradenton on Wednesday. Daytona has not officially announced their starter for game two of the series as of press time. Gates open at 6 p.m. 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. from Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

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.