Tortugas ride four-run seventh to squish Frogs, 5-3

Mark Kolozsvary drives in four runs, as Daytona earns series split

RHP Cory Thompson threw two scoreless innings of relief to garner his first win of the season, as the Daytona Tortugas bested the Florida Fire Frogs, 5-3, on Sunday afternoon at Osceola County Stadium. (Aldrin Capulong)

By Justin Rocke

April 7, 2019

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Despite playing in just two of the team's first four games, C Mark Kolozsvary has made a major impact. Daytona's catcher collected two hits and drove in four runs, as the Tortugas used a four-run seventh inning to knock off the Florida Fire Frogs, 5-3, on Sunday afternoon at Osceola

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Despite playing in just two of the team's first four games, C Mark Kolozsvary has made a major impact. Daytona's catcher collected two hits and drove in four runs, as the Tortugas used a four-run seventh inning to knock off the Florida Fire Frogs, 5-3, on Sunday afternoon at Osceola County Stadium.

Scoreless through six innings, Daytona (2-2) drew first blood against the Florida (2-2) bullpen in the seventh. 2B Alejo Lopez (1-4, R) led off the inning with a single to left and tagged up to second on a fly out to left. After a walk to 1B Bruce Yari (2-3, R, BB, SO), RF Andy Sugilio (1-3, R, RBI, BB, SO) snuck a single through the right side of the infield. Lopez scored from second on the base knock to put the 'Tugas ahead, 1-0. Following a walk that loaded the bases, Kolozsvary (2-4, 2B, 4 RBI) banged the first pitch he saw down the left-field line. All three runners raced home on the two-base hit, extending the advantage to 4-0.
The Fire Frogs offense emerged against Daytona's bullpen in the bottom of the eighth. C William Contreras (1-3, R, RBI, BB, SO) broke up the shutout bid as - with runners at first and second - he slapped an RBI single to left to make it a 4-1 contest. Immediately after a strikeout, LF Jefrey Ramos (1-4, RBI, 2 SO) stung a run-scoring base knock, cutting the deficit to two, 4-2.
Things did not get better after a pitching change. RHP Ryan Nutof (0.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, SO) gave way to LHP Carlos Diaz (0.0 IP, 2 BB) who walked both batters he faced, the latter of which forced home a run to pull Florida within one, 4-3. Tortugas manager Ricky Gutierrez then called upon RHP John Ghyzel (1.1 IP, 2 SO) to escape the jam with the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position. The 22-year-old struck out DH Zack Soria (0-4, SO) swinging to end the threat and keep Daytona in front.
In the ninth, the Tortugas made sure they stayed in front by adding an insurance run. A single and a walk ignited the frame, but a failed sacrifice bunt and a pickoff at second seemed to quell the threat. Following a walk to LF Randy Ventura (0-2, R, 2 BB, SO), Kolozsvary delivered again. The former Florida Gator poked an RBI knock to left to stretch Daytona's lead to two, 5-3.
Ghyzel came back out for the bottom of the inning and cruised to the finish line. The right-hander retired the Fire Frogs in order to seal the win and his first save of the season.
Neither starter received a decision, but both performed admirably. RHP Andrew Jordan (5.0 IP, 3 H, 4 BB, 6 SO) struggled at times with his command but unfurled five scoreless frames for Daytona. Florida's LHP Hayden Deal (6.0 IP, 2 H, 5 SO) countered with six innings of two-hit ball.
RHP Cory Thompson (2.0 IP, BB, 2 SO) was superb in relief for the Tortugas, tossing two spotless innings to earn his first win of the season. The Fire Frogs' bullpen did not enjoy the same success, as RHP Cutter Dyals (1.0 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB) suffered his first loss.
The Tortugas continue their six-game road trip on Monday night, as they begin a four-game series against the Palm Beach Cardinals, High-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. RHP Michael Byrne (0-0, 0.00 ERA) is expected to make his first professional start after making 19 appearances out of the bullpen for Daytona last season. Palm Beach has yet to announce their starter for tomorrow's contest.
The Tortugas Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 6:15 p.m. ET, leading up to the 6:30 p.m. ET start at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Monday evening's contest can be heard on daytonatortugas.com or via the TuneIn Radio and MiLB First Pitch apps.
Following the road trip, the Tortugas will return home to open up a three-game homestand against the Tampa Tarpons, High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, on Friday, April 12. That night, Daytona will kick start its Jackie Robinson Weekend by wearing special No. 9 uniforms - the number Jackie wore during his history-making debut on City Island in 1946 - as part of the team's Best Dressed Friday series. It will also be the Tortugas' Friday Night Done Right, as the organization partners with One Voice for Volusia to recognize local children and heroes who continue to break barriers. Fans are encouraged to stick around until the final out, as they will be treated a spectacular Postgame Fireworks show after the game.
Season ticket and multi-game plans are still 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 High-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of the Florida State League. The Tortugas play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in downtown Daytona Beach, Fla. Jackie Robinson Ballpark also plays host to Bethune-Cookman University and many large community events and initiatives throughout the season.