'Tugas slug their way to series-opening win, 10-6

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The Tortugas' bats started hot and the flame never diminished. Daytona clubbed a pair of home runs in the second en route to a 10-run, 14-hit performance, defeating the Jupiter Hammerheads, 10-6, in front of 1,470 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Tuesday night.

Jupiter (41-41) squeaked out to an early 1-0 lead on a run-scoring ground out by 3B Bennett Hostetler (0-4, RBI, 2 SO), but the Tortugas (42-43) responded furiously in the bottom of the inning.

RF Austin Hendrick (3-4, 2 R, 2 2B, 2 RBI, BB, SO) doubled to begin the frame and, two pitches later, 1B Garrett Wolforth (2-4, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI, BB) whistled a blur that skimmed over the right-field fence for a two-run home run. The 23-year-old's sixth home run in Daytona and seventh overall on the campaign put the Tortugas ahead 2-1.

The barrage continued right away, as DH Danny Lantigua (3-4, R, 3 2B, 2 RBI) mashed the very next pitch for the first of three doubles. After moving to third on a ground out, 3B Debby Santana (1-3, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI, BB) — who was reinstated from the injured list earlier in the day — stepped in for his first plate appearance since July 15.

On the second pitch he saw, the 20-year-old hit a 111.6 mph rocket that sailed over the batting cages in left for another two-run home run. Santana's second home run of the season traveled an estimated 446 feet and gave Daytona a three-run cushion, 4-1.

C Jan Mercado (1-4, RBI, BB, SO) garnered an RBI single in the top of the third to pull within a pair, but the 'Tugas would add to their ledger again in the fifth.

SS Elly De La Cruz (3-4, 2 R, 2B, 3B, BB, SO) jump-started the attack with a hustle double and CF Allan Cerda (1-5, R, 2 SO) followed with a bloop single. Hendrick then hit a high fly ball down the left-field line that ended up finding a patch of open turf. De La Cruz scored, as Hendrick slid into second with a two-bagger to put the 'Tugas back up three, 5-2.

Following a walk to Wolforth, Lantigua delivered again. The switch-hitter slashed a liner into right for a two-run double, padding the edge to five, 7-2.

The Hammerheads trimmed the deficit to three, 7-4, once more in the top of the sixth on a fielding error and a single from DH Davis Bradshaw (1-3, R, RBI, BB, SO). However, that would be as close as the visitors would get the rest of the way.

Daytona added single runs in the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings to balloon their advantage up to six. In the sixth, Santana walked, moved to third on a C Daniel Vellojín (1-5, 2 SO) single, and scored on a wild pitch. The San Cristóbal, D.R. native added a run-scoring ground out in the seventh before De La Cruz tripled and crossed on a Hendrick base-hit in the eighth.

In the ninth, Jupiter sent the tying run into the on-deck circle, tallying a pair on a SS Dalvy Rosario (1-4, R, RBI, SO) single and a wild pitch, but no closer, as the Tortugas secured a 10-6 victory.

RHP Jason Parker (5.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 SO) was stellar yet again, twirling 5.0 innings of two-run ball to earn his fourth victory for Daytona.

Jupiter's RHP Chris Mokma (2.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO) was chased by the 'Tugas offense in the third and suffered his fifth defeat.

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 Miguel Medrano (2-0, 3.38) is expected to make his first start in two weeks for Daytona in game two of the series on Wednesday. Jupiter is scheduled to counter with the reigning Low-A Southeast Pitcher of the Week, LHP Daxton Fulton (1-4, 4.70). 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.