Tortugas shine bright in series-opening win over Mets

Christian Roa sets career-highs in innings pitched and strikeouts, as Tortugas win fourth-straight at home

RHP Christian Roa set career-highs in innings pitched (5.0) and strikeouts (8) en route to his first Daytona victory, as the Tortugas came away with a 7-2 win over the St. Lucie Mets in front of 1,531 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Tuesday night. (Aldrin Capulong)

By Justin Rocke

July 28, 2021

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — After an hour and 25-minute delay at the beginning due to uncooperative stadium lights, the Tortugas played lights out. RHP Christian Roa set career-highs in innings pitched (5.0) and strikeouts (8) en route to his first Daytona victory, as the Tortugas scratched out a 7-2 win

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — After an hour and 25-minute delay at the beginning due to uncooperative stadium lights, the Tortugas played lights out. RHP Christian Roa set career-highs in innings pitched (5.0) and strikeouts (8) en route to his first Daytona victory, as the Tortugas scratched out a 7-2 win over the St. Lucie Mets before 1,531 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Tuesday night.

St. Lucie (39-34) started the game hot as, with the bases empty and two out in the top of the first, 2B José Peroza (2-4, 2 R, HR, RBI, SO) drove a 3-2 pitch over the fence in right for a solo home run. Peroza's sixth homer of the campaign put the Mets up 1-0.

The lead did not last long, as Daytona (35-38) had a rebuttal in the home half of the first. C Daniel Vellojín (1-4, BB, SO) singled to right, while RF Austin Hendrick (1-3, R, 2 RBI, BB) and CF Allan Cerda (1-3, R, BB, 2 SO) walked to load the bases. Following a fielder's choice that erased Vellojín at the plate, 3B Elly De La Cruz (0-3, RBI, BB, SO) drew a bases-loaded walk to force home a run and tie the game at one.

It stayed that way until the fifth when Daytona jumped in front for good. 1B Leo Seminati (1-3, 2 R, BB) walked to ignite the rally and DH Ashton Creal (2-4, 2 R, SO) trailed with an infield single. After advancing to second and third on a sacrifice bunt, Vellojín walked to fill the bags. With one out, Hendrick smashed a liner into center for a hit. Two runs scored on the single to put the Tortugas up a pair, 3-1.

In the eighth, the 'Tugas put the game away. LF Wendell Marrero (0-3, R, BB, SO) walked and Cerda singled off the left-field wall to set up runners at first and third before SS Ivan Johnson (0-4, RBI, 2 SO) ripped a run-scoring ground out to first, extending the advantage to three, 4-1.

Subsequently, after a strikeout, Seminati reached on a throwing error, allowing Cerda to score all the way from second. Creal would single to right-center before 2B Gus Steiger (0-2, BB) popped a fly ball to right. The ball was dropped towards the line, allowing two more runs to score, pushing the Tortugas lead to six, 7-1.

St. Lucie sneaked across one last run in the top of the ninth, as Peroza singled, moved to second on a wild pitch, and scored after consecutive ground outs.

Roa (5.0 IP, 4 H, R, ER, BB, 8 SO) was outstanding from start to finish for Daytona. The 22-year-old issued just a single run on four hits over a career-high 5.0 innings, earning his first Tortugas' victory and the second of his pro career. RHP Sam Hellinger (3.0 IP, H, 5 SO) and RHP Stevie Branche (1.0 IP, H, R, ER, SO) shut the door on a 14-strikeout performance.

RHP Luis Moreno (5.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 4 SO) walked five over 5.0 innings, suffering his third loss of the season for St. Lucie.

The homestand continues with a Wishful Wednesday presented by VyStar Credit Union. The Tortugas will partner with a local non-profit organization to swell up donations 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.

RHP Jason Parker (3-1, 3.71) is expected to take the hill for the Tortugas, as they look to capture their fifth-straight home victory. The Mets are scheduled to counter with RHP Junior Santos (3-3, 5.37), New York's No. 11 prospect according to MLB.com. Coverage on the Tortugas Radio Network will begin on the MiLB First Pitch app and www.daytonatortugas.com at 6:50 p.m. leading up to the 7:05 p.m. first pitch 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.