Rats Rout Squeeze for First Win of Season

SANFORD, Fla. - In a game where both teams entered the night looking for their first win, Sanford rose to the challenge. With new River Rats coach Mike McDaniel and 10 former Squeeze players facing their former team, a revenge game had been brewing.

Sanford opened the game with a nine-run first inning, fueled by seven walks, three hit batters and RBI singles from Enzo Ercole and Jordan Marlo.

River Rats pitcher Chase Marsh was solid through four innings of work and earned the win, allowing two earned runs on one hit while walking seven and striking out two.

The two runs came in the top of the second inning on back-to-back wild pitches.

The pulper machine had just switched on for the River Rats as they entered the third inning leading 9-2.

The bases were loaded after two walks and a single, allowing Jake Schincariol to score on a wild pitch. After a walk by Jordan Marlo, Zach Walker scorched a single down the left-field line, driving in two runs.

Drew Pynes followed with a two-run single of his own, another hard-hit ball into left field, extending Sanford's lead to 14-2.

Then the storms arrived.

After a brief weather delay in the bottom of the fourth inning, the River Rats came right back out and scored two more runs, thanks to a pinch-hit single by Michael Thomas and a fielding error that allowed Braedon Weckman to score.

It was smooth sailing the rest of the way, with the league's run-rule provision ending the game in the seventh inning.

Winter Garden will continue its road trip Wednesday, June 3, with a makeup game against the DeLand Suns. Meanwhile, Sanford will have a day off before hosting the Leesburg Lightning on Thursday, June 4, at Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium.

Alejandro Landers (Elon University)