sfoggi posted on June 16, 2011 21:03
LEESBURG, Fla. (June 16, 2011) - In a season where offense has been at a premium, the Lightning relied on their pitching and defense to earn yet another victory on the season. Playing against Orlando in front of the home crowd, the Lightning beat the Freedom 8-4.
The Lightning (9-1) entered the game with 18 errors on the season and Head Coach David Therneau had previously said that he expected the defense to turn around, and he was spot on Thursday night. Leesburg finished the game without an error and had sharp play all around the diamond.
“Defense is all about repetition and mentality,” said Therneau. “I knew it was going to get better and it goes back to those extra reps in practice.”
Designated hitter Hunter Mayfield (Rollins College) started the scoring in the first inning when he ripped a double that plated Troy Drummond (Delaware State) and Jacob Tillotson (Florida), who continues to get on base at an unbelievable rate. Tillotson is currently in a race for the best batting average in the league and has an on base percentage that’s through the roof. He added another pair of hits to his resume on Thursday night.
Starter Micah Kellogg (Flagler), earning his first start of the season, nothing short of spectacular. The right-hander scattered three hits over four innings of work and struck out four. Kellogg’s delivery also made for quick outs. Keeping his glove on his waist for the duration of his windup, he was able to throw strikes repetitively, fooling the Freedom (1-10) hitters.
In the fourth inning, Kellogg found himself in trouble with runners on first and second and no outs. He would come out of the jam unscathed with three quick outs that stranded both runners.
“I think he got a little bit tired there in the fourth,” said Therneau. “I just told him to use his legs and fight through it. He’s been so good out of the bullpen for us this year and I thought he was outstanding in his first start.”
The Lightning put up five runs in the sixth inning, making it a seven run game. The scoring spree was thanks in part to errors and walks given up by Orlando, but the Lightning received some key hits from Christian Coburn (College of Central Florida) and Mike Albaladejo (Florida Atlantic) to keep the inning alive. With the bases loaded, Albaladejo feigned a bunt that drew the infield in immediately, but then quickly drew the bat back as the pitch was coming and hit a chopper up the middle right where the second baseman would have been. The savvy veteran also employed a swim move to avoid a tag on a stolen base earlier in the game.
“I love it here,” said Albaladejo. “I love playing for this city and they support us so much it makes you want to play for them.” Albaladejo has been playing second base instead of his typical spot behind the plate in the stead of Eric Sams (Indian River State College), who went down with a hamstring injury last week.
Ethan Bader (Lake Sumter CC) continued his dominance on the season and pitched three scoreless innings, earning the win. Carlton Patton (Dallas Baptist) and Mike Clutterbuck (Macomb CC) closed out the win for the Lightning.
Leesburg will play their only road contest of the week tomorrow (Friday, June 17) night in DeLand at 7.
Nick Beardi (Medaille College)