Rats Edged By Dawgs in Pitcher's Duel

WINTER PARK, Fla. - A strong pitching performance from the Sanford River Rats was not enough Monday night as the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs held on for a 2-1 victory.

The game remained scoreless until the third inning when Winter Park broke through. With runners on base, Osmin Melendez grounded out to third, allowing Houston Hosford to score and giving the Diamond Dawgs a 1-0 lead.

Winter Park added what proved to be the decisive run in the fourth inning. A wild pitch allowed Evan Taveras to score while advancing runners into scoring position, extending the Diamond Dawgs' advantage to 2-0.

Sanford starter Chase Marsh turned in a solid outing despite taking the loss. The right-hander worked four innings, allowing three hits and two earned runs while keeping the River Rats within striking distance.

Fabian Romero followed with an impressive relief appearance, tossing three scoreless innings and striking out six batters while not allowing a hit.

The River Rats threatened throughout the late innings and finally broke through in the ninth. Cooper Pitman reached base and eventually scored when Sean Stafford lined an RBI single into center field, cutting the deficit to 2-1.

Sanford brought the tying run to the plate, but Winter Park recorded the final outs to secure the one-run victory.

The River Rats return to action Tuesday against the Winter Garden Squeeze. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Alejandro Landers (Elon University)