Ibarra, Tortugas' pitching lead way in three-hit shutout

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — After yielding six or more runs in each of the first three games of the series, Daytona's pitching returned to its dominant self on Friday evening. RHPs José Franco, Frainger Aranguren, and Anthony Zimmerman combined to three-hit Jupiter in the Tortugas' 3-0 victory over the Hammerheads before 1,717 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

For the first time in the series, the 'Tugas (44-44) scratched across the game's opening run. SS Elly De La Cruz (1-4, R, 2 SO) reached on a one-out infield single and took third on a base hit to right by CF Allan Cerda (1-4, SO). After a strikeout, 1B Ruben Ibarra (2-3, R, HR, 2 RBI) stepped in and delivered his first Daytona base knock. De La Cruz crossed on the single to center to make it a 1-0 game.

The Cincinnati Reds' 2021 draftees continued to impact the ballgame in the second. With runners at first and third courtesy of a 3B Debby Santana (1-2, R, BB, SO) walk and a 2B Brandon Leyton (1-3, SO) single, it was LF Blake Dunn's (1-3, RBI, 2 SO) turn to come through. Cincinnati's 15th-round selection ripped a worm-burner into left-field for a run-scoring single. His first Tortugas hit and RBI padded the advantage to 2-0.

In the third, it was Ibarra again. With the bases empty and two out, the Reds' fourth-round pick lifted an 0-1 offering off the manual scoreboard in left for a solo home run. Ibarra's second professional homer and first with the 'Tugas extended the cushion to three.

Granted a three-run lead, Daytona's pitching took the baton and carried the squad past the finish line on Friday. Franco (4.0 IP, H, BB, 6 SO) hurled 4.0 shutout innings to start before relinquishing the reigns to Aranguren (3.0 IP, 2 H, BB, 5 SO). The 24-year-old tossed 3.0 spotless frames out of the bullpen, eventually earning his fifth win of the season.

Zimmerman (2.0 IP, BB, 5 SO) entered in the eighth and slammed the door shut from there. The Harrisburg, Pa. native registered five of his six outs via the strikeout to collect his first save of the season and the second of his professional career.

RHP Evan Fitterer (4.0 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, BB, 8 SO) punched out a career-high eight over 4.0 innings for Jupiter. However, the 21-year-old suffered his first loss of the campaign.

Daytona continues its monthly Copa de la Diversión celebration on Saturday. Tortugas players and coaches will wear specially branded uniforms and caps to honor Hispanic heritage, while fans in attendance will be able to enjoy various interactive on-field promotions and activities throughout the night.

20-year-old RHP Gabriel Aguilera (0-1, 7.04) is expected to make the start for Daytona as they go for the series victory on Saturday night. Jupiter is anticipated to counter with 18-year-old RHP Eury Pérez (2-3, 1.71), the Marlins' No. 7 prospect per Baseball America. 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.