Suns Suffer First Loss of 2026 Season

LEESBURG, Fla. - The DeLand Suns were finally able to get their second game of the season in the books Tuesday night in Leesburg.

The Suns' offense got off to a slow start, but a wild pitch in the second inning allowed Richard Collazo (Eastern Florida State) to score the first run of the ballgame. It would be the inning's only run, as DeLand stranded runners at the corners to end the frame.

The DeLand defense shined through the first four innings. Colby White (Undecided) carried a no-hit bid into the fourth inning while striking out three batters. Leesburg finally got its offense going in the fifth, capitalizing on a Suns error and a wild pitch to plate two runs.

DeLand responded in the sixth inning. Three consecutive walks loaded the bases for Boomer Rogozinski (Stetson), who hit a deep sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Akhil Nimmala (Undecided) to tie the game. DeLand was unable to add on, leaving runners on second and third.

Leesburg reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning. After a pair of singles put two runners aboard, Charlie Keller (Ball State) stepped to the plate with two outs. Keller launched a three-run home run to deep center field, giving Leesburg a 5-2 lead. The Lightning added another run in the eighth on a sacrifice fly to cap the scoring.

Leesburg retired 12 of the final 13 DeLand hitters to secure a 6-2 victory. The Suns finished with seven hits but stranded 10 runners on base. DeLand also committed three errors, two of which led to Leesburg runs.

The Suns will have a chance to bounce back Wednesday against the Winter Garden Squeeze. DeLand defeated Winter Garden 5-1 on Sunday evening. The matchup will mark the Suns' home opener for the 2026 season. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Conrad Park in DeLand.

J.C. Fox (Mississippi Christian University)