It was a historic day in the Florida League as the Sanford River Rats set a new win streak record at 15 games. The Rats broke the ice, accomplishing what would set them apart as the league's best team. Fans packed the stands for a picturesque night of baseball, followed by a classic Rats showcase of offensive dominance in a 9-2 game. Here's how they got there.

THE GAME 

The first inning featured a dominant performance from starter Trey Clinton. He displayed the confidence and command of an ace starter,  striking out a batter in the first before putting the defense to work following some early baserunning mistakes by the Diamond Dawgs. In total, he struck out seven Dawgs hitters out of the 16 he faced, Giving up only two hits in 5 innings. Clinton was exactly what Sanford needed from their starter, setting a strong foundation for the rest of the staff and setting the stage for the Rats’ Offense to fire up. 

The usual Rats' antics were in play, with five runs scored on only one hit. Winter Park walked the first few Rats batters to load the bases, including hitting Braden Calise for the first of two times. After walking the bases loaded for two runs, Stewart Puckett roped a double for three RBIs, an incredibly clutch hit with two outs.

Another player who had a strong night was Dawson Harman, who hit .350 with one hit and two RBIs. His hard-hit single into the outfield scored Calise and Saleeba. Dawson Harman showed both significant power and big-league discipline at the plate, a key to his success this season.

The Rats' bullpen showed great maturity. Even with their usual command struggles, only two hitters were walked between the six pitchers faced, a sign of a turnaround for a team that has had trouble with walks.

Defensively, Ruocco put on a glove show. He was given multiple opportunities to display his range and make great stops, including ranging behind second base to scoop a ball and making a jumping throw to get the runner out — an impressive feat. He synergizes perfectly with an infield consisting of great gloves like Calise, Puckett, and Harman, fitting very well into the small ball tactics the River Rats use, highlighted by a sacrifice fly to score Mock in the second.

THE STORY

The team chemistry is starting to show, and the win streak certainly adds to the team morale as they head into the middle of the season hoping to stretch their win streak past 15. They face the Diamond Dawgs once more on Monday before a big series against Leesburg. With the Rotation back where it started it is shaping up for a big week for the Sanford pitching staff, Who are preparing to face the heavy offense of the Leesburg Lightning.

Christian Bussiere, Daytona State

PHOTO BY TARYN FRIEND