Suns Slip to Third After Loss to Sanford

SANFORD, Fla. – The DeLand Suns dropped the opener of their weekend series Friday night, falling 8-4 to the Sanford River Rats.

The Suns struck first in the second inning. Boomer Rogozinski (Stetson) led off with a single before Nate Ricko (Pasco-Hernando) followed with another base hit. Torin Foley (Embry-Riddle) grounded into a double play, allowing Rogozinski to score for a 1-0 DeLand lead.

DeLand added another run in the third. With two outs, Shane Thomas (Undecided) was hit by a pitch and advanced to second on a wild pitch before Nic Partridge (Florida) delivered an RBI single to make it 2-0.

Sanford answered in the fourth, sending eight batters to the plate while scoring four runs to take the lead.

The River Rats added four more runs in the fifth, extending their advantage to 8-2.

The Suns mounted a late rally in the ninth. Rogozinski opened the inning with a single before Ricko followed with another hit. After one out, Bryce Pasternack (Daytona State) grounded out to score Rogozinski and move Ricko to third. With two outs, Blue Hunter (Pasco-Hernando) reached on an infield pop-up that was misplayed by the River Rats, allowing Ricko to score.

DeLand brought the tying run to the plate but stranded two runners to end the game.

With the loss, the Suns fell to 15-16, while Sanford improved to 13-18-1.

The series continues Saturday at Sanford Memorial Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

J.C. Fox (Mississippi Christian University)