Walks Doom River Rats in Loss to Snappers

Orlando, Fla. — In a shortened seven-inning game due to a weather delay, the Orlando Snappers defeated the Sanford River Rats, 9-7, in the season opener for both teams.

The game remained scoreless until the top of the fourth inning, when Sanford's Drew Pynes (Undecided) blasted a three-run home run to left-center field.

The Snappers responded immediately in the bottom of the fourth. After three straight walks, Logan Chalk (St. John's River State) hit an RBI groundout, followed by back-to-back passed balls that scored Angel Mendoza (Seminole State) and Elvin Figueroa (Rollins), allowing Orlando to tie the game.

Things remained quiet until the top of the sixth, when a wild throw by the Snappers' third baseman allowed Ethan Beal (Rollins) and Jordan Marlo (Florida SouthWestern) to score, both unearned.

A Tyler Myers (Rollins) single and another throwing error brought home two more runs, extending Sanford's lead to 7-3.

Once again, Orlando responded in the bottom half of the inning.

Mason Resmondo (Seminole State) reached on an RBI fielder's choice. After a few more passed balls and a throwing error, Resmondo, Gavin Gonzales (Calhoun CC), and Bo Jonas (Undecided) scored to tie the game at seven apiece.

A base hit by Santiago Busot (St. John's River State), combined with another River Rats fielding error, allowed two more runners to score as Orlando took a 9-7 lead, which it held for the remainder of the game.

Starting on the mound for Sanford was Liam Furey (Columbus State), who pitched three scoreless innings but received a no-decision.

Brock Bracher (Undecided) took the loss for the River Rats after entering in relief in the bottom of the sixth inning. He pitched one inning, walking one batter and striking out two.

In total, Sanford walked 14 batters and struck out seven.

The winning pitcher for the Snappers was Ryland Happel (Lake Sumter State), who allowed three hits and struck out four over 2.1 innings of work.

Logan Chalk earned the save, his first of the season.

The two teams will square off again on Saturday, May 30, at 7 p.m. at Sanford Memorial Stadium.

Alejandro Landers (Elon)