Suns Surrender Late Run in Loss to Dawgs
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
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0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
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1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | X | 3 | 5 | 0 |
WINTER PARK, Fla. - The Winter Park Diamond Dawgs broke a 2-2 tie in the eighth inning to defeat the DeLand Suns, 3-2, on Thursday night at Alfond Stadium.
The Diamond Dawgs wasted no time getting on the board, scoring one run in the first inning. Winter Park took advantage of a wild pitch to move a runner to second with one out. A sharp single up the middle scored the runner, giving the Diamond Dawgs an early lead.
DeLand responded in the third, tying the game. With one out, Shane Thomas (Undecided) was hit by a pitch, Nic Partridge (Florida) drew a walk, and Akhil Nimmala (Undecided) was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Noah Prudencio (Florida State College) hit into a fielder's choice, scoring Thomas and tying the game.
Winter Park reclaimed the lead in the fourth. With runners on the corners and one out, DeLand attempted to catch the runner stealing second. The runner was safe, and the throw allowed the runner from third to score.
The Suns tied the game again in the fifth. Richie Collazo (Undecided) hit the first pitch he saw over the left-field fence for his first home run of the season.
The game remained tied at 2-2 through the seventh despite DeLand having opportunities to score. In the top of the eighth, a Suns baserunner was thrown out at home attempting to score from second on an infield fielder's choice.
In the bottom of the eighth, Winter Park took the lead for good. The leadoff batter reached base, and a sacrifice bunt advanced him to second with one out. A single up the middle scored the runner from second, giving the Diamond Dawgs a 3-2 lead.
Another DeLand starting pitcher turned in an excellent outing, as Ethan Diaz (Bethune-Cookman) threw seven innings, allowing two runs while striking out five. Jason Dennis (Embry-Riddle) came on in relief and took the loss, allowing one run on two hits.
With the win, Winter Park improved to 10-9-1, while DeLand fell to 8-10.
DeLand and Winter Park continue their weekend series Friday evening in Winter Park.
J.C. Fox (Mississippi Christian University)