Watson, Hammerheads ward off Tortugas, 6-0

JUPITER, Fla. — In his first appearance with the club since July 1, SS Kahlil Watson picked up a pair of hits, scored a run, and drove in three for Jupiter, as the Hammerheads shutout the Daytona Tortugas, 6-0, on Friday night at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.

Jupiter (15-12, 49-42) jumped out to an early advantage in the bottom of the first. Watson (2-4, R, 2B, 3 RBI, SO) slashed a single to right in his first plate appearance back and moved to second on a two-out free pass to DH Joe Mack (1-2, R, 2 BB, SO). RF Brady Allen (1-3, R, RBI, BB, SO) followed with a run-scoring single to left, giving the Hammerheads a 1-0 edge.

In the fourth, the Marlins' affiliate created separation. Jupiter loaded the bases with two outs in the inning on a pair of walks to 1B Federico Polanco (1-3, R, RBI, BB, SO) and 3B-SS Yiddi Cappe (0-4, R, BB) sandwiched around a hit-by-pitch of LF Tanner Allen (0-2, R, RBI, BB, SO).

On a 2-2 pitch, Watson powered a towering drive over the head of the center fielder, clearing the bases. All three runners came home on the 2021 first-round pick's double, propelling the Hammerheads' advantage to 4-0.

Another rally in the eighth put the finishing touches on Jupiter's shutout win. The Hammerheads filled the bases with no one out on consecutive walks to Mack and Brady Allen and a single to right from 2B Javier Sanoja (1-4, SO). A base-hit to center from Polanco and a bases-loaded walk to Tanner Allen added two more to the ledger, increasing their cushion to 6-0.

Opportunities were few and far between for Daytona (8-18, 37-54) on Friday night. The Tortugas put the leadoff runner on in five-straight innings from the second through the sixth. However, in all five frames, a double-play ground ball quelled the threat.

RHP Jake Walters (6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 3 SO) was not overpowering, but induced weak contact all-night long for Jupiter. The University of Alabama alum tossed a season-high six spotless innings en route to his second victory of the year.

In his first start since being reinstated from the injured list on Wednesday, RHP Sam Benschoter (3.2 IP, 3 H, R, ER, BB, 6 SO) impressed. The 24-year-old yielded a run in the first inning, ultimately suffering his third defeat, but he punched out six over 3.2 innings.

The Tortugas will try to return to the win column on Saturday. RHP Gabe Bierman (5-4, 4.58) is scheduled to take the hill for Jupiter. Daytona has not yet announced a probable starter for the contest. Coverage on the Tortugas Radio Network will begin on the MiLB First Pitch app and www.daytonatortugas.com at 5:45 p.m. leading up to the 6 p.m. first pitch from Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.

The Tortugas will return to Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Tuesday, August 9, to open up a two-week homestand with six games against the Lakeland Flying Tigers, the Florida State League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. The series opens with another Shell Yeah Cookout. The $15 add-on includes the full “Bases Loaded” menu during a 90-minute buffet with hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled pork, baked beans, cookies, Pepsi products, and more. It is also a Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Radiology Associates Imaging. The Tortugas will don unique pink-clad uniforms that will be auctioned off at the end of the season with all proceeds to raise money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. Silver Sluggers Night presented by Conviva is a part of the festivities. The exclusive 60-and-older club features deals at the team store, concession stands for members, and more. The series opener also marks a Taco Tuesday with options at the concession stands starting at just $3.

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.