Tortugas tripped up in 10-inning defeat to Cardinals

JUPITER, Fla. — Bad memories were rekindled for Daytona on Thursday evening. SS Jeremy Rivas' two-run single in the bottom of the 10th propped Palm Beach to their fifth walk-off win over Daytona this season, as the Cardinals bested the Tortugas, 3-2, at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.

Tied at one entering the extra frame, Daytona (2-4, 31-40) advanced the automatic runner to third on a sacrifice bunt from CF Rafael Franco (1-3, SO). On a 2-1 pitch, 3B Michel Triana (1-5, R, SO) swung and missed at a pitch down and in, but the ball kicked to the right of the catcher. 2B Luis Chevalier (0-3, R, BB, SO) scored from third on the wild pitch to give the Tortugas the lead, 2-1.

The bottom of the 10th had a positive start for Daytona as a potential sacrifice bunt turned into a fielder's choice as the automatic runner was tagged out trying to advance to third. However, that would be the final out the Tortugas would record.

Palm Beach (5-1, 35-35) re-ignited the rally when CF Matt Chamberlain (1-3, R, 2B, BB, SO) put the tying run in scoring position with a ground-rule double to right-center field. With runners at second and third, Rivas (2-5, 2 RBI, SO) slapped a 2-1 pitch through the middle and into center field for a base-hit. Both runners scored on the single to send the Cardinals to a 3-2 victory.

Thursday's contest was scoreless through the first three frames before Palm Beach jumped ahead in the bottom of the fourth. RF Elijah Cabell (0-2, R, BB, 2 SO) and DH Jake Burns (0-3, BB, SO) earned two-out walks before LF Patrick Romeri (2-4, RBI, SO) punched a single to left-center to score a run, granting the Redbirds a 1-0 edge.

Daytona managed to knot the score at one in the sixth. Following a pitching change, Triana singled to left-center and advanced to second on a ground out. After a ground ball out scooted him to third base, 1B Yassel Pino (1-4, RBI, 2 SO) brought the runner in when he roped a single through the left side.

Neither starter received a decision in game three of the series. RHP Tanner Cooper (4.0 IP, 2 H, R, ER, 2 BB, 5 SO) permitted just two hits over four innings for the Tortugas. The Cardinals' RHP Carlos Guarate (5.0 IP, 3 H, BB, 4 SO) hoisted five scoreless innings.

Despite yielding an unearned run in the top of the extra inning, RHP Gustavo Rodríguez (2.0 IP, R, SO) earned his first win of the season for the Redbirds. RHP Owen Holt (1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 SO) was charged with two runs in relief for Daytona, suffering his first loss of the year.

RHP Javi Rivera (3.2 IP, H, BB, 6 SO) extended his scoreless-inning streak to 14 in a row with 3.2 frames of spotless relief for the 'Tugas on Thursday.

The contest featured a total of one hour and nine minutes worth of delays. This included a stalled start due to wet grounds and a halt because of lightning with two out in the top of the second inning.

The Tortugas will attempt to return to the win column on Friday, as RHP Hunter Parks (2-1, 3.74) is projected to take the hill for Daytona. Palm Beach is scheduled to counter with RHP Bryan Pope (0-1, 4.20). Coverage on the Tortugas Radio Network will begin on the MiLB First Pitch app and www.daytonatortugas.com at 6:15 p.m. leading up to the 6:30 p.m. first pitch from Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.

After the six-game road swing, the Tortugas will return to Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Monday, July 4, to open up a series against the St. Lucie Mets, the Florida State League affiliate of the New York Mets. It will be an Independence Day Celebration in Daytona Beach featuring patriotic, red-white-and-blue Best Dressed Uniforms that will be auctioned off throughout the season. There will be special on-field games and activities around the ballpark and, after the final out, fans are encouraged to stick around for a fabulous Fourth of July Fireworks Show. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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 Single-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of Minor League Baseball’s 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 Jackie Robinson Ballpark Museum, and many community events and initiatives of all sizes throughout the year.