Snappers Lose Control of Playoff Destiny

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orlando Snappers no longer control their own playoff destiny after dropping a heartbreaking 9-8 decision to the Leesburg Lightning on Friday night.

The loss leaves Orlando at 13-18-2 and in sixth place in the Florida Collegiate Summer League standings, one-half game behind both Winter Park and Sanford entering the final day of the regular season. The Snappers must beat Leesburg on Saturday and receive a loss from either the Diamond Dawgs or River Rats to secure a playoff berth.

Orlando could not have asked for a better start.

After Drew Kunz worked a scoreless top of the first inning, the Snappers erupted for six runs in the bottom half. Roy Rodriguez delivered Orlando's first grand slam of the season to make it 5-0, and James Hankerson Jr. followed with a solo home run, his second in as many games, to extend the lead to 6-0.

Leesburg answered immediately, however, scoring six runs in the second inning to erase the deficit and tie the game.

The teams traded two runs apiece in the third inning, with Orlando receiving RBI singles from Danny Garcia and Rodriguez to knot the score at 8-8.

Collin Lock and Ty Kennedy combined to keep the Lightning off the scoreboard over the middle innings, but Leesburg broke through in the eighth, scoring the go-ahead run on a wild pitch.

The Snappers created several scoring opportunities throughout the night, as their leadoff hitter reached base in seven of nine innings, but they were unable to deliver the timely hit needed after the third inning.

Orlando will close the regular season Saturday at Pat Thomas Stadium against the Lightning. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m., with Geoffrey D'Amato expected to start in a must-win game for the Snappers.

Theo Shernoff (Michigan)