Winter Park – Undoubtedly the win of the year for the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs as they picked up an 8-7 victory over the Orlando Snappers in game two of the three-game set to improve to 5-20. 

It was Billy Batson (Rollins) who recorded the start for Orlando. He pitched into the fifth inning, and when he was relieved, the Orlando Snappers held a seven-run cushion. Batson was throwing a no-hitter when head coach Terry Abbott decided to pull him from the game. Things changed drastically from there. 

The Orlando Snappers scored first after they got to Diamond Dawgs starter Nick Wilson (Saint Leo). Orlando scratched across the game's first runs in the second inning with a three-spot. In the third, they added one more run, and by the top of the fifth, the Snappers led 7-0. However, the Diamond Dawgs showed immense resilience. After Batson was taken out before recording an out in the fifth, Winter Park started to put together much better at-bats. Winter Park scored its first runs of the game after a three-run home run by Ben Barrow (James Madison), which really ignited the offense.

Much credit as well to the Diamond Dawgs bullpen, who recorded four zeroes in the final four innings to give their offense a chance, and that’s all they needed, was a chance. Entering the bottom of the seventh, Winter Park still trailed 7-3. The middle of the order for Winter Park was fantastic on the night. After getting runners on second and third with nobody out in the bottom of the seventh, the real rally started. Barrow added two more RBIs after a two-run single put the Dawgs within one. Winter Park used some aggression on the bases in the seventh, and Roberto Odor (Saint Leo) came up with two outs and two runners on. He delivered a huge two-run triple to right center field to give the Diamond Dawgs the one-run lead.

Barrow had a huge night, going 2-3 with five RBIs and two runs scored. Lee-Anthony Santiago (Barry) also came up big with a clutch hit to keep the line moving in the seventh. He went 2-3 with a run and an RBI. Tyler Boyeson (Stetson) also continues to impress in his first week with the team. Boyeson went 1-2 with two walks and two runs scored.

Again, pitching should not be neglected. Nick Sakowski (Florida Southern) came on in the eighth and induced a huge inning-ending double play to get out of a jam. Harrison Miller (Saint Leo), came out of the bullpen in relief of Wilson and pitched 2 ⅔ innings of scoreless ball, keeping WP in the game and giving them momentum. Then came the final inning, and Matthew Demetree (Thomas) came on for his second save in as many nights. With two runners on base and down to their final out, Snappers best hitter Matt Farner dumped a hit into right field, but Kai Lwin (Florida Atlantic) made an incredible throw to gun down what would have been the game-tying run at the plate, and that’s how the Diamond Dawgs would hold on to win. 

Kai Lwin was also 1-3 with two runs scored and a walk. A total collective effort by Winter Park in a potential momentum-swinging game. 

No doubt there have been some tough losses for this Winter Park team throughout the season, but this one was emblematic of their resilience and togetherness when things got tough. With about 11 games left on the Florida League schedule, the Diamond Dawgs have to make up about three games if they want to be one of the five teams to make the playoffs. 

For now, they will take a much-needed off day on Wednesday and finish up the three-game set on Thursday against Orlando at The First Academy. First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m. EST. 

TJ French (University of Georgia)