Lightning Shut Out in Regular Season Finale

LEESBURG, Fla. — The Leesburg Lightning closed the regular season with a 6-0 loss to the Orlando Snappers on Saturday night at Pat Thomas Stadium, finishing with the Florida Collegiate Summer League's best record at 24-11.

Orlando struck first in the opening inning when Logan Chalk drove in Nicholas Alonso with a groundout. The Snappers doubled their lead in the fourth as Elvin Figueroa hit a solo home run to center field.

The Lightning created scoring opportunities throughout the night but could not capitalize. Leesburg put at least one runner on base in seven innings, drew six walks and collected three hits, but grounded into three double plays that ended potential rallies.

The Snappers extended their lead in the sixth when Jonathan Davila launched a two-run home run to right field, making it 4-0. Orlando added two more insurance runs in the eighth on Roy Rodriguez's RBI fielder's choice and Davila's RBI single, his fourth hit of the night.

Andre Bilbao Jr. started for Leesburg and allowed two runs over 3 1/3 innings. Lucas Perez followed with 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief, while Carson Henrikson struck out five over 2 2/3 innings despite allowing the two-run homer. Cole Jones pitched the final two innings.

Matthew Dumas, Andon Gray and Ledger Pleasant accounted for the Lightning's three hits, while Dylan Green, Preston Murphy, Jack Waddingham, Cory Banasiak and Marcello Cortale each drew a walk.

Despite the loss, Leesburg enters the postseason as the Florida League's regular-season champion and will open the semifinals Tuesday night at Pat Thomas Stadium. First pitch for Game 1 is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Adam Rothschild (Susquehanna University)