Palm Beach pitching puzzles Daytona's bats in 4-0 defeat

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — For the second time in three games, 3B Debby Santana recorded a multi-hit performance. However, Palm Beach's pitching was able to puzzle Daytona's scorching offense, as the Cardinals three-hit the Tortugas, 4-0, in front of 1,671 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Saturday night.

The Redbirds (30-61) did most of their damage in the top half of the fourth inning. RF Ryan Holgate (2-5, R, SO) began the frame with a single and 3B Jacob Buchberger (1-3, R, 2B, 2 BB) followed by coaxing a walk.

After an infield fly, 1B Thomas Francisco (3-3, 2 R, 2B, RBI, BB) continued the torrid start to his career by ripping a single through the right side of the infield. Holgate raced around to score from second to put Palm Beach in front 1-0.

With Buchberger taking third on the single and Francisco advancing to second on the throw, the Tortugas were forced to play the infield in with one out but managed to get a ground ball for the second out.

Despite being on the verge of yielding just one run, LF Patrick Romeri (2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, SO) roped the first pitch he saw into the gap in left-center field. Both runners scored with ease, as the 2019 12th-round pick chugged into second with a double to put the Cardinals up by three.

In the eighth, Palm Beach scratched across one last run. Francisco ignited the rally with a walk and took second on a grounder to third. Trailing a Romeri single and a strikeout, SS Franklin Soto (1-4, 2 SO) was at the dish with a 2-2 count.

On ball three of the plate appearance, Romeri broke towards second base. The throw down to second was cut off in front of the bag, as Francisco darted towards home. The toss to the dish beat the runner, however, the relay was not received cleanly. Francisco safely swiped home for his first career stolen base, granting the Cardinals a 4-0 cushion.

Daytona's offense never quite kicked in gear, as Palm Beach prevented them from advancing a runner to third base all night long. The Tortugas' best offensive opportunity came in the bottom of the third when C Daniel Vellojín (0-3, BB) walked and Santana (2-4) singled to set up runners at first and second and two out. Alas, a fielder's choice grounder to short quelled the rally.

RHP José Moreno (6.0 IP, 2 H, 4 BB) did not record a strikeout but hoisted his best start of the season for the Beach Birds. The Venezuela native tossed 6.0 scoreless to earn his first win of the campaign.

Daytona's RHP Jason Parker (4.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, BB, 4 SO) yielded three runs over 4.0 innings of work, suffering just his second loss of the year.

The Tortugas get dressed up in their Sunday best to close out the homestand on Sunday. The Best Dressed Team in Baseball series squeezes into the finale, as Daytona players and coaches will don special tuxedo-themed uniforms. It will also be a Bark in the Park and Tiny ‘Tugas Night. For just $2, fans can purchase a “pooch pass” so their four-legged friend can enjoy a nine-inning vacation, as well. Additionally, there will be activities for all Tiny ‘Tugas members who come out to the ballpark, including Running the Bases after the game. It will also be the Tortugas’ Yappy Hours with 16 oz. Bud Light Seltzer and Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer cans on sale for $4.

RHP Bryce Bonnin (4-0, 1.24) — Cincinnati's No. 13 prospect per Baseball America — is expected to toe the slab for the Tortugas as they search for the series split. The Cardinals are projected to counter with Tuesday evening's series-opening starter RHP Ludwin Jiménez (0-6, 4.98). Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Coverage on the Tortugas Radio Network will begin on the MiLB First Pitch app and www.daytonatortugas.com at 5:20 p.m. leading up to the 5:35 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.