Suns Fall to Leesburg in Front of Packed House

LEESBURG, Fla. - The DeLand Suns fell to the Leesburg Lightning, 6-1, in six innings on Saturday at Pat Thomas Stadium.

The contest unfolded as a pitchers' duel through the first three innings, with neither team able to push across a run. Leesburg's pitching staff was particularly dominant, recording seven strikeouts, while DeLand starting pitcher Ethan Diaz (Bethune-Cookman) struck out three over the same span.

In the fourth inning, the Lightning broke the game open by scoring five runs.

The Suns responded in the fifth, scoring their lone run of the game. Josh Vinciguerra (Undecided) led off the inning by reaching on a hit-by-pitch. Vinciguerra later scored on an error-aided play with Devon Crown (Mississippi Christian) at the plate.

Leesburg answered immediately, adding another run in the bottom of the fifth to extend its lead to 6-1.

With the victory, the Lightning improved to 20-7, while DeLand dropped to 11-14.

The two teams are not scheduled to meet again during the regular season.

DeLand returns to action Sunday against the Orlando Snappers. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Conrad Park.

J.C. Fox (Mississippi Christian University)