A Rain and Lightning Delay was the beginning of a 7-inning matchup between the Diamond Dawgs and the RiverRats. The Delay pushed the game back almost 2 hours, making the story even more anticipated. 

THE GAME.

Head Coach Jesse Litsch improvised a Strategy, pitching all of the starters. This is because all but one game was played this week by the Rats due to rain, meaning the entire Starting rotation did not get their reps in. Each pitcher pitched one inning, including Kaiden Lopez, who closed out the game with 2 Strikeouts. He has become the closer and will deal some serious damage in the playoffs with his nice breaking ball and patience on the mound. He can work the zone and stress a hitter by dragging out at-bats, mixing up his sequence in creative ways.

Jake Mueller found his sweet spot tonight. The 1st baseman scored his first RBI of the game on a smoked double that scored Dawson Mock. Mock was able to successfully steal 2nd and 3rd and score on the ball down the right field line. Dawson Mock also singled to score a run, showing his incredible bat speed and his swiftness to the bag, laying a fantastic squeeze bunt that scored Trey Babbitt later on in the 4th. Mock's night finished with 2 hits, an RBI, and a Walk. 

It was Razzle Dazzle and smooth plays in the infield. Daniel Spicher has “Re-found” his magic after being out of the lineup. He demonstrated that shortstops can make throws from third base, the outfield grass, and range to the opposite side. Spicher is everything a shortstop needs to be, and that is all over the ball. Stewart Puckett also found his comfort at 3rd base, making hard-hit ground balls look routine. The middle infield has stepped up incredibly since Braden Calise's hiatus.

THE STORY.

The Sanford RiverRats move closer and closer to clinching the number one seed for the playoffs, but with a week's worth of games washed away by the rain, the Orlando Snappers and the Leesburg Lighting get the head start on them. The Snappers currently sit in 2nd, 7 games behind Sanford. The RiverRats' defense is becoming a more integral part of the scheme they have found themselves running. It is the glue that pieces all of the tools together. The RiverRats return on July 10th, where they face the Orlando Snappers at home following the All-Star Game. 

Christian Bussiere, Daytona State

Photo by Taryn Friend, FSU