Suns Fall to Sanford, But Clinch Playoff Spot

SANFORD, Fla. - The DeLand Suns let an early four-run lead slip away Friday night, falling 6-5 to the Sanford River Rats at Sanford Memorial Stadium. Despite the loss, the Suns clinched a spot in the Florida League playoffs thanks to Leesburg's victory over Orlando.

DeLand wasted no time taking control, scoring four runs in the first inning. After a pair of walks and a hit batter loaded the bases, Shane Thomas scored on a bases-loaded walk to Boomer Rogozinski. Another bases-loaded walk to Akhil Nimmala brought home Derek Lopez, and with one out, Noah Prudencio lined a two-run single to left field to score Rick and Rogozinski for a 4-0 advantage.

Sanford answered with two runs in the third inning before adding another in the fourth to trim the deficit to 4-3.

The Suns regained a two-run cushion in the fifth when Trey Seluk led off with a single and later scored on Derek Lopez's double down the right-field line, extending the lead to 5-3.

The River Rats completed the comeback in the sixth inning, scoring three runs to take a 6-5 lead they would not relinquish.

DeLand threatened in both the seventh and eighth innings but was unable to capitalize on its scoring opportunities.

The Suns managed just four hits while striking out seven times and leaving 10 runners on base.

With the loss, DeLand dropped to 15-17, while Sanford improved to 14-18-1.

The Suns will look to salvage the series in Saturday's regular-season finale against Sanford. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Conrad Park.

J.C. Fox (Mississippi Christian University)