July is where champions are born in the Florida League. Although it took some time, the RiverRats kicked off the month with a 4-2 win over the Leesburg Lightning. The game originally started on Friday, but only ½ an inning was played before the rain came in. It was picked up right where it was left off in the bottom of the first, Runners on 1st and 2nd.

THE GAME

Sanford scored right away on a passed ball that brought Cameron King around 3rd. A walk with the bases loaded brought Dawson Mock and Xavier Lopez in to score, making it 3-0 in the 1st.

Following the hiatus, Trey Clinton did not start this game like he did on Friday. Instead, Leesburg had to face the fierce Ryland Bozenhard. He brought the velocity and stamina, although he struggled with the walking bug. Bozenhard dug through 4 Innings, earning 4 K’s and only letting off 1 Run. 

The fourth and final run for the Sanford RiverRats was scored off a walk once again, this time a walk earned by Daniel Spicher. 

THE STORY

The name of the game tonight was not hitting. Instead, it was a showcase of plate discipline and great defense. Pembroke Pines product Julian Irrizary made not one, but two spectacular grabs in center field, both of which were ranging to the 380’ mark to stick his glove out and make the catch. We also saw some heads-up baseball from Stewart Puckett, who made a play on a ground ball and, in one motion, tagged the base and threw across the diamond to make a smooth double play. 

The RiverRats are bringing their talents to Winter Garden, where they will face the Squeeze in a doubleheader tomorrow starting at 4 pm. The Rats are on the road, but played a very competitive series last time they made a trip to the 34787. As the season starts rolling into the window to clinch the number one seed, the Sanford RiverRats' magic number is eight. 

Christian Bussiere, Daytona State 

Photo By Taryn Friend, Florida State University