Rats Sunk By Eight-Run Third

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orlando Snappers broke open a scoreless game with an eight-run third inning Tuesday night, cruising to an 8-0 victory over the Sanford River Rats.

After two scoreless innings, Orlando capitalized on a series of Sanford miscues to ignite the decisive rally. Roy Rodriguez reached on a throwing error that allowed Roberto Alvarez to score the game's first run.

Elvin Figueroa Mestre followed with a two-run single to right field, scoring Nicholas Alonso and Angel Gabriel Mendoza Brand to extend the lead to 3-0. After stealing second base, Figueroa Mestre advanced during another Sanford error that allowed Rodriguez to score an unearned run, pushing the advantage to 4-0.

Logan Chalk delivered the biggest swing of the inning with a two-run home run to left-center field, increasing Orlando's lead to 6-0. Ty Kennedy later added an RBI groundout before Alvarez capped the eight-run frame with an RBI single to left, giving the Snappers an 8-0 cushion.

Sanford starter Luke Marsh lasted 2 2/3 innings, allowing five earned runs on seven hits while striking out three.

The River Rats return to action Thursday night when they host the DeLand Suns following an off day Wednesday.

Alejandro Landers (Elon University)