Late Rally Falls Short as Diamond Dawgs Drop Heartbreaker to Snappers

WINTER PARK, Fla. – The Winter Park Diamond Dawgs nearly pulled off an improbable seventh-inning comeback, but a called third strike ended the rally as they fell 6-5 to the Orlando Snappers on Monday night at Alfond Stadium.

After being held to just one hit through the first four innings, the Dawgs found themselves trailing 6-1 entering the bottom of the seventh after Orlando erupted for four insurance runs, highlighted by Luke Mottola's two-run home run to right field off the scoreboard. The blast gave the Snappers what appeared to be a comfortable five-run cushion.

The Dawgs took advantage of a fielding error to plate two unearned runs before Jake Biaggi and Skyler Jersey each worked RBI walks to cut the deficit to just one run. With the tying run within reach and the momentum squarely on Winter Park's side, the comeback came to an abrupt end when Roberto Odor was rung up on a close called third strike, leaving the potential tying run stranded and sealing the 6-5 defeat.

Tyler Mecchella gave the Diamond Dawgs a strong start, tossing four scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and striking out five.

The Dawgs return to action Tuesday against the Sanford River Rats at 6:30 p.m. at Sanford Memorial Stadium.

Justin Baltes (University of Central Florida)