Altamonte Springs, Fla. – The Sanford River Rats broke a four-game winning streak in Monday night’s 1-0 loss against the Altamonte Springs Scorpions at Lake Brantley High School.

It took a pitching gem by the Scorpions to halt the Rats. Jared Cenal (St. Petersburg) surrendered just one hit over seven innings, and a pair of relievers added two hitless innings to preserve the shutout.

The lone run of the game came off of a Garrett Zech solo home run in the third inning.

The Rats nearly tied it up in the eighth inning.

After a pair of two-out walks, the Rats had runners at the corners. Dathan Prewett stole second, but pinch-runner Richie Rivera (University of Tampa) was gunned down at the plate to end the inning.

Jacob Webb turned in a fine outing, allowing just one run and three hits in seven innings.

The 12-6 River Rats still have a 2.5-game lead over the Scorpions for first place in the Florida League.

The River Rats play the Scorpions Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at Sanford Memorial Stadium.  

Kimberly Cozzolino (Indiana University)