Snappers Suffer First Loss in 12-5 Defeat

LEESBURG, Fla.- The Orlando Snappers fell to the Leesburg Lightning, 12-5, on a beautiful Monday night at Pat Thomas Stadium.

The Lightning had too much firepower for Orlando's young pitching staff, scoring 12 runs on nine hits while working through five different Snappers pitchers.

Four pitchers made their Snappers debuts on the mound, including starter Harrison Smith. Smith, a recent high school graduate and Wheaton College commit, showed his potential over two innings. The left-hander recorded a pair of strikeouts before handing the ball to fellow newcomer Christian Helmers. Helmers and Brooks House, two former UAB Blazers, drove in from neighboring states directly to the ballpark and combined for three scoreless innings.

Logan Chalk covered the sixth and seventh innings and added five strikeouts to Orlando's staff total. The Snappers struck out 15 Lightning hitters on the night, easily a season high. Chalk is anything but a one-dimensional player and showed off his power in the top of the seventh with a long home run to left field, the offensive highlight of the night for Orlando.

In the end, it wasn't enough. The Lightning drew as many walks as they scored runs, while the Snappers managed just two free passes. The seven-run defeat was Orlando's first loss of the season.

The Snappers will look to bounce back Tuesday night in Winter Park against the Diamond Dawgs as they attempt to remain above .500 during the opening week of the season.

Theo Shernoff (University of Michigan)