'Tugas tempered by Birds, 3-1, in series finale

JUPITER, Fla. — DH Michel Triana continued his evisceration of Florida State League pitching, adding two more hits and a solo home run. However, the rest of Daytona's offense could not find similar success, as the Tortugas fell to the Palm Beach Cardinals, 3-1, on Sunday evening at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.

Scoreless through two, the Redbirds (7-2, 37-36) jumped ahead in the bottom of the third. SS Jeremy Rivas (2-5, R, 2 SO) singled to right with one out and advanced to third on another knock to right field from LF Matt Chamberlain (2-2, R, 2B, 2 BB).

After a walk to DH Aaron McKeithan (0-3, BB, SO) loaded the bases, C Leonardo Bernal (1-4, 2 RBI, SO) burned Daytona's RHP José Franco (5.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 SO) for the second time in the series. With a go-ahead grand slam under his belt against him in the lid-lifter on Tuesday, the 18-year-old smashed a lead-creating two-run single on Sunday. Bernal's one-base hit put Palm Beach ahead 2-0.

Daytona (3-6, 32-42) quickly got one of those two runs back in the top of the fourth. With the bases empty and two out, Triana (2-4, R, HR, RBI) launched a 2-0 pitch to deep right field. The 22-year-old deposited the down-and-in offering beyond the fence for a solo home run, his second of the series. Triana's fourth blast of the year drew the Tortugas within one, 2-1.

Palm Beach added a key insurance run against the bullpen in the sixth. CF Adanson Cruz (1-3, R, 2B, BB, 2 SO) ignited a two-out rally with a double that dipped into right field. Following a balk that moved the runner to third, 2B Darlin Moquete (1-5, RBI, SO) poked a single into left field to bring him home, stretching the Cardinals' lead back to two, 3-1.

After hurling eight impressive innings, Palm Beach's LHP Alex Cornwell (8.0 IP, 4 H, R, ER, 11 SO) was lifted. Daytona promptly produced a rally, as 2B Steven Leyton (1-4, SO) started the ninth for the Tortugas with a single to right.

With Leyton on the move to second, 3B Austin Callahan (0-3, BB, 2 SO) drew a walk on a 3-2 pitch. The ultimately unnecessary throw skidded into center field, allowing the runner to pop up and advance to third.

However, that would be as close as Daytona reached in the final frame. After a strikeout, Triana hit a high pop that was caught in foul ground by the first baseman. Leyton attempted to tag and score from third but was tagged out at the plate, ending the ballgame.

Cornwell (8.0 IP, 4 H, R, ER, 11 SO) set career-highs in innings pitched (8.0) and strikeouts (11) for Palm Beach on Sunday, earning his third victory of the season. LHP Hayes Heinecke (1.0 IP, H, BB, SO) registered the final three outs to earn his fourth save.

Franco (5.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 SO) tied a career-best with five innings of work but was saddled with his fifth defeat in his start for the Tortugas.

The Tortugas will return to Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Monday 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. We celebrate the United States’ birthday with special on-field games and activities in addition to patriotic Best Dressed Uniforms that will be auctioned off during the season. At the concession stands, fans will be able to enjoy unique Food and Drink Specials as part of the occasion. This will include Rick’s Famous Turtle Drink, Patriotic Funnel Fries, as well as a Taco Monday. Following the final out, fans are advised to stick around for the best Postgame Fireworks show in Daytona Beach.

Neither team has announced a probable starter for the contest. Gates open at 6 p.m. Coverage on the Tortugas Radio Network will begin on the MiLB First Pitch app and www.daytonatortugas.com at 6:50 p.m. leading up to the 7:05 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 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.