Lightning Break It Open Late to Defeat Snappers

Leesburg, Fla. – The Leesburg Lightning continued their dominant start to the season Tuesday night, using a balanced offensive attack and a dominant bullpen effort to pull away from the Orlando Snappers for an 11-4 victory at Pat Thomas Stadium.

After Orlando grabbed an early 2-0 lead, the Lightning chipped away with a run in the third before taking control in the middle innings. Leesburg scored two runs in the fourth and three more in the fifth to move in front, then put the game out of reach with a four-run sixth inning highlighted by a two-run homer from Charlie Keller and a solo blast from Marcello Cortale.

The Lightning offense piled up 14 hits and received contributions throughout the lineup. Keller led the charge, finishing 2-for-5 with a double, a home run and four RBIs. Cortale added two hits, including his first homer of the season, while Hudson Reed scored twice and drove in a run. Turner Gross collected two hits and two RBIs, Preston Murphy added two hits and an RBI, and Florida League Player of the Week KT Thompson went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a stolen base.

Leesburg's pitching staff was equally impressive. Bryce Gluckman struck out seven batters over three innings in his third appearance of the summer, allowing just one hit and no earned runs. Miguel Figueroa earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief before Lucas Perez, Ryan Perzanowski and Cody Clymer combined to finish off the victory. The staff totaled 12 strikeouts and surrendered just one earned run despite Orlando scoring four times.

The Lightning improved to 9-1 on the season and will return to action Thursday, June 11, against the DeLand Suns at Pat Thomas Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. as the teams open a three-game series.

Adam Rothschild (Susquehanna University)