Pitching propels Daytona to extra-inning victory, 3-2

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — In a tightly contested, back-and-forth affair, it was Daytona who pounced last. The Tortugas shuffled their automatic runner across in the top of the 10th and stranded the tying run at third in the bottom half, securing a 3-2 victory over the St. Lucie Mets in 10 innings on Saturday night at Clover Park.

St. Lucie (52-46) snagged the early advantage in the fourth. 3B Justin Guerrera (1-3, R, BB) reached on a two-out walk to bring up DH Jack-Thomas Wold (1-4, 2B, RBI, SO). The former UNLV Runnin' Rebel lofted a 3-2 delivery into the alley in right-center for a base hit. Guerrera — who was off on the pitch — scored all the way from first on the double to put the Mets in front, 1-0.

Daytona (49-52) quickly responded in the top of the fifth, as 2B Brandon Leyton (0-3, 2 R) was hit by a pitch to start the frame. The León, Nicaragua native took second and third on two separate ground outs before tying the game at one on a wild pitch.

An inning later, the Tortugas jumped in front. 3B Rece Hinds (2-4, R) ignited a rally with a single and advanced to second after SS Elly De La Cruz (1-3, SO) was hit in the leg with a pitch. A ground out to third advanced each runner before LF Danny Lantigua (1-2, RBI, SO) drifted a sacrifice fly to left to give Daytona a one-run advantage, 2-1.

The Mets quickly tied the score in the bottom half. 1B JT Schwartz (0-4, R) reached on a two-base throwing error with one out and promptly was brought home on an infield single from LF Brandon McIlwain (1-3, BB, 2 SO) and a subsequent errant throw on the play.

Still tied at two going into the 10th, the Tortugas had CF Justice Thompson (0-3, 2 SO) sacrifice bunt the automatic runner to third to begin the extra frame.

PH-C Daniel Vellojín (0-1, RBI) was sent up to pinch-hit for C Michael Trautwein (0-2, BB) and, with the infield in, hit a grounder to short. The shortstop's momentum carried him to his left, forcing him to make the only play at first base. Leyton scored from third on the ground out to put Daytona in charge, 3-2.

RHP Nick Hanson (2.0 IP, H, SO), who worked a three-up, three-down ninth inning, stayed on to try and finish the deal for the 'Tugas. After a bloop single set St. Lucie up with first and third and nobody out in the bottom of the 10th, the 23-year-old buckled down.

Hanson induced a fly ball to right for the first out and, on a 1-1 delivery to Schwartz, produced a soft roller to short. De La Cruz fielded, stepped on the pillow, and threw to first for a game-ending double play.

RHP Miguel Medrano (5.0 IP, 4 H, R, ER, 2 BB, 5 SO) collected his best start of the season for Daytona, matching a season-high with 5.0 innings of work, allowing just one run in a no-decision. Hanson garnered his first professional victory after his 2.0 scoreless frames of relief.

RHP Jordan Yamamoto (3.0 IP, H, BB, 2 SO) was not as flawless as he was on Tuesday night, but still twirled 3.0 shutout frames in a Major League rehab start for the Mets. Issuing just an unearned run in his single inning of relief, RHP Drake Nightengale (1.0 IP, R, SO) suffered the tough-luck loss, his fourth of the year.

Daytona will look to earn a series split in the finale, as RHP James Proctor (3-0, 1.60) is projected to make his second start of the six-game set. RHP Sean Reid-Foley (NR) is scheduled to make a Major League rehab start for St. Lucie. Coverage on the Tortugas Radio Network will begin on the MiLB First Pitch app and www.daytonatortugas.com at 11:55 a.m. leading up to the 12:10 p.m. first pitch from Clover Park.

The Tortugas will return home after the road trip to open up their final homestand of the season on Tuesday, August 31, against the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, the Low-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. It will be a Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Radiology Associates Imaging, as Daytona players and coaches will don special pink-tinted uniforms to mark the occasion. Silver Sluggers Night — the best club in baseball for fans 60-and-over — presented by Conviva Cares Solutions will also be a part of the festivities. Fans can get in on deals at the concession stand with $2.50 Michelob Ultra draft beers. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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.