Written by Joe Zollo
Kissimmee, FL - In game two of the Florida Fire Frogs four game inaugural series with the Daytona Tortugas, their offense came out hot for a crowd of 1,900 at Osceola County Stadium. The pitching matchup featured RHP Jose Lopez for the Tortugas and LHP Tyler Pike for the Fire Frogs.
For the Frogs, they struggled overall in the field recording four errors to Daytona’s one error but that was no issue for them. Unlike in the opener, their production at the plate was exceptional, recording nine hits throughout the game including two home runs hit by C Alex Jackson and 3B Austin Riley.
The home run was Riley’s only hit today but he recorded multiple putouts and assists in the field today, grabbing ball after ball and recording some web gems throughout the game. Riley recorded 20 home runs last year in the A- affiliate Rome Braves season while also recording 80 RBI’s.
Along with Riley, pitcher Chase Johnson-Mullins, who came in for relief of Josh Graham, pitched extremely efficiently. In his 1.1 IP, the 6’9 300 pound monster did not allow a single hit and struck out one batter along the way. Overall, the lively offense of the Fire Frogs and the poor offense of the Tortugas lead them to their first victory.
Daytona took an early 2-0 lead through two and a half innings but their pitching crumbled after that. Starting pitcher Jose Lopez allowed eight hits and five runs through his 5.1 innings pitched. A positive from his stat line was that only one of those five runs were earned runs and he also struck out seven batters.
Looking at the offense of Daytona, the team hit three doubles in the first three innings but after that went as cold as a New England winter. Only two singles were hit the rest of the game and that ultimately resulted in their downfall this game. Striking out an overall 10 times and not being able to capitalize with men on base due to errors or walks made for a rough second half of the game.
The final score was 5-4 with the Fire Frogs receiving their first win of their inaugural season. The series is now split 1-1 with Daytona and game three will be played April 8th with an early afternoon first pitch of 4:05. It will be another lefty vs. righty matchup as LHP Drew Harrington for Florida will oppose RHP Vladimir Gutierrez for Daytona.
For the Frogs, they struggled overall in the field recording four errors to Daytona’s one error but that was no issue for them. Unlike in the opener, their production at the plate was exceptional, recording nine hits throughout the game including two home runs hit by C Alex Jackson and 3B Austin Riley.
The home run was Riley’s only hit today but he recorded multiple putouts and assists in the field today, grabbing ball after ball and recording some web gems throughout the game. Riley recorded 20 home runs last year in the A- affiliate Rome Braves season while also recording 80 RBI’s.
Along with Riley, pitcher Chase Johnson-Mullins, who came in for relief of Josh Graham, pitched extremely efficiently. In his 1.1 IP, the 6’9 300 pound monster did not allow a single hit and struck out one batter along the way. Overall, the lively offense of the Fire Frogs and the poor offense of the Tortugas lead them to their first victory.
Daytona took an early 2-0 lead through two and a half innings but their pitching crumbled after that. Starting pitcher Jose Lopez allowed eight hits and five runs through his 5.1 innings pitched. A positive from his stat line was that only one of those five runs were earned runs and he also struck out seven batters.
Looking at the offense of Daytona, the team hit three doubles in the first three innings but after that went as cold as a New England winter. Only two singles were hit the rest of the game and that ultimately resulted in their downfall this game. Striking out an overall 10 times and not being able to capitalize with men on base due to errors or walks made for a rough second half of the game.
The final score was 5-4 with the Fire Frogs receiving their first win of their inaugural season. The series is now split 1-1 with Daytona and game three will be played April 8th with an early afternoon first pitch of 4:05. It will be another lefty vs. righty matchup as LHP Drew Harrington for Florida will oppose RHP Vladimir Gutierrez for Daytona.