sfoggi posted on July 10, 2011 20:27
LEESBURG, Fla. (July 10, 2011) – The Sanford River Rats closed their week on a high note with a 4-0 win over the Leesburg Lightning at Pat Thomas Stadium on Sunday night.
Both starting pitchers kept the game scoreless through four before Sanford broke it open in the top of the fifth. After loading the bases, new River Rat Ryan Brnovich (Saint Leo) hit into a fielder’s choice that scored Kyle Foti (Flagler). Blake Boyd (Nova Southeastern) stole home to put the Rats up 2-0.
The Lightning (16-8) managed to load the bases in the bottom of the sixth, but a 1-2-3 double play closed the inning without a run scored from Leesburg.
The River Rats (9-14-1) loaded the bases again in the top of the eighth and capitalized once again. Dan Haverstick (Rhode Island) hit a single to score Ryan Woodrey (Nova Southeastern) and Ian MacGeorge (Embry-Riddle) to give the Rats a 4-0 lead and close the scoring.
Sanford starter Taylor Smith (Rollins) pitched five innings, striking out four to earn the win. Adam Maxon (Jacksonville) pitched the final 3 2/3 innings for the Rats and struck out three, walked just one, and allowed no hits or runs.
Leesburg starter Dylan Hathcock (UNC Greensboro) tossed six innings and struck out four, but issued four walks and four hits and was charged with the loss.
Sanford’s next game is a home contest against the DeLand Suns (13-12) on Thursday, July 14. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m. Fans wishing to see baseball at Sanford Memorial Stadium before then can check out the Florida Collegiate Summer League All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 12. A home run derby will start at 6 p.m. and the game will start at 7 p.m. Alex Mendez (South Florida) will start at left field for the All-Star North squad.
Neil Tredray (Valencia College)