Rats Rally Past Dawgs for Third Consecutive Win

SANFORD, Fla. — The Sanford River Rats used a two-run sixth inning to erase a deficit and defeat the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs 3-2 on Thursday night before severe weather forced the game to be called after six innings.

Sanford struck first in the second inning when Jake Schincariol lined a triple down the right-field line, scoring Dominic Donatucci for a 1-0 lead.

The Diamond Dawgs answered in the fifth. After an unearned run tied the game on Mason Mojica's RBI double to center field, Clay Mitchell followed with an RBI single to right-center, giving Winter Park a 2-1 advantage.

The River Rats responded immediately in the top of the sixth. Jordan Marlo scored the tying run when Drew Pynes singled to left field and advanced to second on a throwing error. Later in the inning, Tyler Meyer lifted a sacrifice fly to right field, allowing Nick Upperman to score the go-ahead run and put Sanford ahead 3-2.

Following a weather delay, officials called the game in the bottom of the sixth inning with Sanford leading 3-2, securing the River Rats' third consecutive victory.

Sanford's pitching staff kept the Diamond Dawgs in check throughout the shortened contest. Brian Kendall worked 5 2/3 innings, allowing one earned run while striking out four. Phillip Devita recorded the final out and was credited with the win.

The River Rats will look to extend their winning streak to four games when they travel to face the Diamond Dawgs on Friday at 6 p.m.

Alejandro Landers (Elon University)