Rats Outlast Squeeze to Extend Winning Streak

WINTER GARDEN, Fla. - The Sanford River Rats built an early four-run lead and leaned on a strong outing from Brian Kendall to defeat the Winter Garden Squeeze 6-5 on Thursday night.

Winter Garden struck first in the second inning when Peyson Garcia reached on a fielder's choice that drove in Leonardo Suarez. A throwing error on the play also allowed Carlos Fuenmayor to score, giving the Squeeze a 2-0 advantage.

Sanford answered with a big swing in the third. After Sean Stafford and Adonys Velez reached base, Michael Thomas launched a three-run home run to left field, putting the River Rats in front 3-2.

The River Rats added to their lead in the fourth when Drew Pynes connected on a solo home run to left, extending the advantage to 4-2.

Sanford continued to manufacture runs in the fifth. Michael Thomas scored on a wild pitch after Caleb Scott advanced to third, and moments later Scott stole home while Nick Upperman stole second, stretching the River Rats' lead to 6-2.

Meanwhile, Brian Kendall turned in one of his best starts of the season. The right-hander worked six innings, allowing one earned run while striking out six to earn the victory.

Winter Garden made things interesting late. Peyson Garcia drove in a run with an RBI single in the seventh before Javier Calzadilla and Leonardo Suarez hit back-to-back RBI doubles in the eighth to trim the deficit to 6-5.

With the tying run threatening, Tyler Garcia shut the door in the ninth, earning the save and preserving Sanford's one-run victory.

Sanford heads to Leesburg on Friday at 7 p.m. for a showdown against the first-place Lightning.

Alejandro Landers (Elon University)