White Throws Complete Game as Suns Rout Lightning 10-1

LEESBURG, Fla. - Behind a dominant pitching performance and a balanced offensive attack, the DeLand Suns defeated the Leesburg Lightning 10-1 in seven innings Tuesday night.

After a scoreless first inning, Leesburg struck first in the second. The Lightning capitalized on a leadoff single and pushed across a run to take a 1-0 lead.

The Suns answered immediately in the top of the third, scoring three times with two outs. Blue Hunter (Rollins) reached base and Shane Thomas (Undecided) followed with an RBI double to tie the game. After Boomer Rogozinski (Stetson) singled to put runners on the corners, Thomas scored on a wild pitch to give DeLand its first lead. Akhil Nimmala (Undecided) then lined a single through the left side to score Rogozinski and make it 3-1.

DeLand added another run in the fifth inning to extend its advantage. With Rogozinski on second and Thomas on third, Nimmala grounded out to drive in Thomas and push the lead to 4-1.

The Suns put the game away in the sixth, erupting for six runs. With two outs, Asher Kimball (Lycoming) walked, Devon Crown (Mississippi Christian) singled, and Hunter drew a walk to load the bases. Bryce Pasternack (Daytona State) followed with a two-run single to right field, scoring Kimball and Crown. Hunter also scored on the play after a Leesburg fielding error.

The rally continued when Thomas was hit by a pitch and stole second base, putting runners on second and third. Rogozinski then delivered his first triple of the season, driving in both Pasternack and Thomas. He later scored on a wild pitch to cap the six-run inning and give the Suns a 10-1 lead.

Colby White (Undecided) needed no relief, turning in one of the strongest pitching performances by a Suns starter this season. White tossed a complete-game seven-hitter, allowing one run while walking one and striking out six. The victory improved his record to 2-0 with a 1.13 ERA and 13 strikeouts on the season.

Thomas and Rogozinski led the offense from the top of the lineup. Thomas went 2-for-3 with a double, two stolen bases, three runs scored, and an RBI. Rogozinski finished 3-for-4 with a triple, two stolen bases, two runs scored, and two RBIs.

With the victory, DeLand improved to 8-9 on the season, while Leesburg fell to 13-6.

The two teams are scheduled to meet again July 2 in DeLand.

The Suns return to action June 25 when they begin a three-game series against the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs at Alfond Stadium.

J.C. Fox (Mississippi Christian University)