Suns Swept, Head to Wild Card Game

DELAND, Fla. — The DeLand Suns were swept by the Sanford River Rats, falling 8-3 in the regular-season finale.

Sanford struck first, building a 3-0 lead in the opening inning. The River Rats took advantage of walks and hit batters, combining free baserunners with timely hits to seize the early advantage.

DeLand answered in the bottom of the first. Derek Lopez (Embry-Riddle) reached on a fielder's choice to put a runner aboard for Akhil Nimmala (Undecided). On the first pitch he saw, Nimmala launched a two-run home run to left field, trimming Sanford's lead to 3-2.

The River Rats pulled away in the fourth inning, scoring four runs. Another frame plagued by walks and singles allowed Sanford to extend its lead to 7-2.

Sanford added another run in the eighth when the leadoff runner scored from third on a sacrifice fly.

The Suns answered with a run in the bottom of the inning. Torin Foley (Embry-Riddle) drew a walk, advanced to second on a passed ball and scored on an infield throwing error.

DeLand's bullpen helped limit further damage. Jason Dennis (Embry-Riddle) and Luke Hoffmann (Daytona State) each allowed one run, while Nate Ricko (Pasco-Hernando) tossed a scoreless inning of relief.

With the loss, DeLand finished the regular season 15-18, while Sanford improved to 15-18-1.

The Suns will look to bounce back in their postseason opener against the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs on Monday. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Alfond Stadium in Winter Park.

J.C. Fox (Mississippi Christian University)