Six-Run Sixth Inning Sends Lightning to 10-1 Loss Against Suns

LEESBURG, Fla. – The Leesburg Lightning grabbed an early lead Tuesday night, but a six-run sixth inning by the DeLand Suns turned the game decisively as Leesburg fell 10-1 at Pat Thomas Stadium.

Leesburg struck first in the second inning when Marcello Cortale lined an RBI double down the left-field line to score Turner Gross for a 1-0 advantage. The Lightning threatened to add more, but the Suns cut down Hudson Reed at the plate to limit the damage.

DeLand answered in the third. Shane Thomas delivered an RBI double to tie the game before later scoring on a wild pitch. Akhil Nimmala followed with an RBI single to give the Suns a 3-1 lead.

The Suns added another run in the fifth when Nimmala drove in Thomas with a groundout, extending the advantage to 4-1.

After keeping the game within reach through five innings, the Lightning saw DeLand break it open in the sixth. Bryce Pasternack lined a two-run single, and a fielding error on the play allowed a third run to score. Benjamin Rogozinski Jr. followed with a two-run triple to left-center field, and a wild pitch later brought home the inning's sixth run as the Suns stretched their lead to 10-1.

Cortale paced the Lightning offense with a double and the club's lone RBI. Gross, Charlie Keller, Ledger Pleasant, Cory Banasiak, Andon Gray, and KT Thompson each added a hit as Leesburg collected seven hits on the night.

Bryce Gluckman took the loss despite striking out four over 4 1/3 innings. JD Aragort, Lucas Perez, and Ethon Tesmer combined to cover the final 2 2/3 innings in relief.

DeLand starter Colby White was dominant, tossing a complete-game seven-inning effort while allowing one run on seven hits and striking out six.

The Suns finished with 11 hits, led by Rogozinski's three-hit performance and Thomas' two-hit night. DeLand also capitalized on three Lightning errors and three wild pitches.

With the loss, Leesburg fell to 13-6 on the season.

After an off day, the Lightning will open a crucial three-game series against the Sanford River Rats on Thursday at Sanford Memorial Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Adam Rothschild (Susquehanna University)