Lightning Bounce Back with 12-1 Rout of Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — One night after a heartbreaking walk-off loss, the Leesburg Lightning responded in emphatic fashion Tuesday night, cruising past the Orlando Snappers 12-1 behind a dominant pitching performance and a seven-run fifth inning.

Leesburg wasted little time getting on the board. Andon Gray reached base and came around to score on Dylan Green's RBI double in the first inning, giving the Lightning an early 1-0 lead.

Orlando answered in the bottom half of the inning, but it would be the Snappers' only run of the night.

The Lightning regained the lead in the second inning when Ledger Pleasant ripped an RBI triple down the right-field line. Leesburg added two more runs in the frame, taking advantage of Orlando miscues and aggressive baserunning to build a 4-1 advantage.

Hudson Reed extended the lead in the third inning with an RBI double that scored Green, making it 5-1.

The game broke open in the fifth. Gabe Campos delivered an RBI single before a wild pitch brought home another run. Green followed with an RBI single, setting the stage for Turner Gross. The designated hitter launched a grand slam to right-center field, capping the seven-run inning and pushing the Lightning lead to 12-1.

Gross finished 1-for-3 with a grand slam and four RBIs, while Green continued his torrid season at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a double, two RBIs, two runs scored and a walk. Pleasant added a triple, an RBI and two runs scored, while Campos contributed a hit, an RBI, two runs scored and two stolen bases.

Jack Waddingham collected two hits and scored a run, while Reed added a double and an RBI. Gray scored twice and stole a base as the Lightning offense piled up 10 hits and drew nine walks.

On the mound, Bryce Gluckman turned in one of his strongest starts of the season. The right-hander allowed one run on four hits over four innings while striking out eight. Despite issuing four wild pitches, Gluckman repeatedly worked out of trouble and prevented the Snappers from generating any sustained offense.

Ryan Perzanowski, Lucas Perez and Cody Clymer combined to throw three scoreless innings out of the bullpen, allowing no hits and striking out four. Together, the Lightning pitching staff limited Orlando to four hits while recording 12 strikeouts.

The victory improved Leesburg to 11-3 on the season and secured a split of the two-game series in Orlando.

After an off day Wednesday, the Lightning begin a four-game series against the Winter Garden Squeeze on Thursday. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Horizon High School.

Adam Rothschild (Susquehanna University)