River Rats Earn Tie, Blow Out Snappers in Twinbill

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Sanford River Rats came away with a productive day Friday, playing to a weather-shortened 3-3 tie in the opener before routing the Orlando Snappers, 12-2, in the nightcap behind another dominant pitching performance.

In Game 1, Sanford battled back from a two-run deficit before severe weather forced the contest to end in a 3-3 tie after six innings.

The River Rats took an early 1-0 lead in the second inning when John Dobkowski scored on a successful double steal despite Zach Walker being thrown out attempting to steal second.

Orlando answered in the fourth. Santiago Busot tied the game with an RBI single before Roberto Alvarez reached on a fielder's choice that, combined with a Sanford error, brought home two unearned runs to give the Snappers a 3-1 advantage.

The River Rats quickly responded in the bottom of the fourth when Michael Thomas was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, forcing home John Dobkowski to cut the deficit to one.

AJ Seymour evened the score in the fifth, crushing a solo home run to left-center field to make it 3-3.

On the mound, Liam Furey continued his strong summer, pitching five innings without allowing an earned run. Jack Hershey entered in the sixth with the bases loaded, but before Orlando could take the lead, a lightning delay forced officials to call the game, ending it in a 3-3 tie.

In Game 2, Sanford's offense erupted for 12 runs while starter Chris Keltz turned in another outstanding performance as the River Rats rolled to a 12-2 victory.

After three scoreless innings, Sanford broke through in the fourth. Jaden Garcia drove in Drew Pynes with an RBI single before Cooper Pitman singled and later scored on a throwing error. Ethan Beal followed with an RBI single, and another Orlando error allowed Michael Dobkowski to score, giving the River Rats a 3-0 lead.

The Snappers plated an unearned run in the bottom of the fourth, but the River Rats blew the game open in the sixth.

Pitman delivered another RBI single before Caleb Scott drew a bases-loaded walk. Two wild pitches brought home two more runs, and Pynes added an RBI walk as Sanford built an 8-1 advantage.

The River Rats added four more runs in the seventh. Beal collected another RBI single before another wild pitch scored Michael Dobkowski. Pynes capped the offensive outburst with a two-run single to left, extending the lead to 12-1.

Orlando managed one run in the bottom of the seventh, but it was far from enough.

Keltz was outstanding on the mound, allowing no earned runs over six innings while striking out eight to earn the victory.

The River Rats conclude their series against the Snappers Saturday night at Sanford Memorial Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Alejandro Landers (Elon University)