River Rats Close In on Playoff Spot

SANFORD, Fla. - The Sanford River Rats erased an early four-run deficit Friday night, rallying to defeat the DeLand Suns 6-5 at Sanford Memorial Stadium to clinch the series victory and move one step closer to a Florida Collegiate Summer League playoff berth.

DeLand jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, drawing consecutive bases-loaded walks before Noah Prudencio lined a two-run single to left field.

Sanford began chipping away in the third inning. AJ Seymour scored on Jordan Marlo's RBI double to left-center, and Drew Pynes followed with an RBI infield single to bring home Marlo and cut the deficit to 4-2.

The River Rats pulled within a run in the fourth when John Dobkowski scored on a Braeden Weckman ground-ball double play.

The Suns regained a two-run cushion in the fifth as Derek Lopez doubled down the right-field line to score Trey Seluk for a 5-3 lead.

Sanford completed its comeback in the sixth inning. Michael Thomas delivered a two-run single to center, scoring Tyler Meyer and Drew Pynes to tie the game at 5-5. Later in the inning, Cooper Pitman lifted a sacrifice fly to right field that brought home Adonys Velez with the go-ahead run.

Chris Keltz (4-0) settled in after the rocky first inning, pitching into the sixth to earn his fourth victory of the season.

Tyler Garcia recorded his league-leading third save of the year to secure the win.

The River Rats will close the regular season Saturday at DeLand. A victory would clinch a playoff berth automatically.

Alejandro Landers (Elon University)