Diamond Dawgs Roll Past DeLand

WINTER PARK, Fla. - The Winter Park Diamond Dawgs continued their winning ways Thursday night, defeating the DeLand Suns 9-5 at Alfond Stadium to improve to 3-3 on the season. After building a commanding early lead, the Dawgs never looked back, taking the opener of a three-game series against the Suns.

Winter Park wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, plating two runs in the first inning before adding two more in the second. The Dawgs' offense stayed aggressive throughout the night, collecting 10 hits and scoring in five different innings.

Anthony Vizzini and Nikola Mezzanotte each recorded two hits, while Colton Musgrave drove in two runs. Mason Mojica also had a big night, finishing with three RBIs, including a two-run single during a four-run fifth inning that broke the game open.

On the mound, Tripp Rosenberger earned the win after tossing five strong innings, allowing three hits while striking out four. Nick Sakowski and Benjamin Filler handled the final four innings out of the bullpen to secure the victory. While DeLand attempted a late comeback with runs in four consecutive innings, Winter Park's early offensive explosion proved too much to overcome.

Jacob Pearl helped spark the offense from the leadoff spot, scoring twice and swiping two bases, while the defense turned multiple double plays to help keep momentum on the Dawgs' side throughout the evening.

The win improved Winter Park to 3-3 on the season, while DeLand fell to 1-3.

The two teams will meet again Friday night at Alfond Stadium as the Diamond Dawgs look to secure a series victory.

Justin Baltes (University of Central Florida)