Rats Extend Winning Streak with 6-5 Victory Over Dawgs

WINTER PARK, Fla. — The Sanford River Rats extended their winning streak Friday night, defeating the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs 6-5 behind another strong outing from reigning Florida Collegiate Summer League Pitcher of the Week Liam Furey.

Winter Park struck first in the opening inning when Skyler Jersey delivered an RBI single through the right side, scoring Osmin Melendez to give the Diamond Dawgs a 1-0 lead.

Sanford answered in the fourth. Nick Upperman reached base and eventually scored when John Dobkowski ripped a game-tying triple into the left-center field gap. One batter later, Zach Walker lined an RBI single to center field, putting the River Rats ahead 2-1.

Furey kept the Diamond Dawgs in check throughout the night, allowing one run on five hits over 5 1/3 innings. The right-hander continued the form that earned him league Pitcher of the Week honors, helping Sanford maintain control of the game.

The River Rats created separation in the sixth inning. Drew Pynes scored on a two-run home run by Jake Schincariol, who launched a drive over the left-field fence to extend Sanford's lead to 4-1. Later in the inning, Dobkowski scored on a balk to push the advantage to 5-1.

Winter Park refused to go away, scoring twice in the bottom of the sixth. Jersey collected his second RBI of the night with a double to left field before Ethan Koller added an RBI single to trim the deficit to 5-3.

Sanford added what proved to be a crucial insurance run in the seventh when Pynes singled to left field, bringing home Upperman for a 6-3 lead.

The Diamond Dawgs mounted another comeback attempt in the eighth. Melendez drove in a run with an RBI double, and Jake Biaggi followed with an RBI single to cut the River Rats' lead to one. However, Sanford's bullpen held firm over the final innings to secure the 6-5 victory.

With the win, the River Rats extended their winning streak to four games.

The two teams will meet again Saturday at Sanford Memorial Stadium, with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Alejandro Landers (Elon University)