Tortugas throttle Threshers in opener, 10-1

CLEARWATER, Fla. - After back-to-back tough losses, Daytona took out their frustrations against Clearwater on Friday night. The Tortugas erupted for a season-high 10 runs and a year-best 13 hits, as Daytona waxed the Threshers, 10-1, at Spectrum Field.

Daytona (14-14) wasted no time in jumping out to a lead. SS Jose Garcia (1-5, R, 2B, SO) whacked a one-out double and came home to score on a single to center by C Hendrik Clementina (2-5, R, HR, 3 RBI), putting the 'Tugas up 1-0 after one.
In the second, the Tortugas ramped up the offense. RF Andy Sugilio (2-4, 2 R) got aboard with an infield single and was immediately brought to the plate on a run-scoring double by 2B Yonathan Mendoza (2-4, R, 2B, 2 RBI, SO). The next batter - LF Randy Ventura (2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, SO) - continued the attack, as his single to center sent Mendoza to the dish, extending Daytona's lead to 3-0. Later in the frame, 3B Jonathan India (1-4, 2 R, 3B, RBI, BB, SO) cranked an RBI triple off the top of the right-field fence and scored on a double to left by 1B Bruce Yari (2-2, R, 2B, 2 RBI, 3 BB) to make it a 5-0 affair.
The contest remained that way until the fifth. Following an India walk and a passed ball, Yari posted a base-hit to center field. The former first-round pick scored to extend Daytona's advantage to 6-0. After a Sugilio knock, Mendoza stroked a single to center and Ventura doubled to right - scoring a run each - putting the Tortugas in front, 8-0.
Clementina unfurled the finishing touches on the rout in the sixth. Immediately after a two-out walk to Yari, the 21-year-old hammered an 0-2 pitch deep to left field. The blast landed at the back of the berm - just underneath the video board - for a two-run home run. Clementina's second dinger of the season gave Daytona a comfortable 10-0 edge.
Clearwater (11-17) would score their only run in the bottom of the seventh. CF Simon Muzziotti (3-5, R, 2B, SO) doubled to start the inning and later forded the dish on a ground out by 1B Madison Stokes (2-5, RBI, SO).
LHP Packy Naughton (4.0 IP, 5 H, 3 BB, 3 SO) walked a season-high three but battled to toss four scoreless innings in a no-decision. In relief, RHP John Ghyzel (2.0 IP, 2 H, BB, 2 SO) hurled two spotless innings of relief to garner his second win of the campaign.
It was a rough night for Threshers' RHP Andrew Brown (2.0 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 5 ER, BB, SO). The 21-year-old was chased after two frames, suffering his third defeat of 2019.
Daytona will look to earn the series victory on Saturday evening, as RHP Austin Orewiler (0-2, 3.60 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound in game two. Clearwater has not yet named their starting pitcher 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 Spectrum Field. Saturday evening's game can be heard on daytonatortugas.com or via the TuneIn Radio and MiLB First Pitch apps.
Following the three-game road swing, the Tortugas will return to Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Monday, May 6 to open up a three-contest set against the Palm Beach Cardinals, High-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. It will be a Belly Buster Monday presented by Marco's Pizza. Starting as low as $13, fans can enjoy all-you-can-eat ballpark favorites such as hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, and popcorn included with their ticket price.
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, the Beijing Shougang Eagles of National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) and many large community events and initiatives throughout the season.