SANFORD-- With the regular season winding down, the Sanford River Rats play their last 3 games against the Deland Suns, who take the win following a sweep of their previous series. The River Rats clinched the postseason a handful of games ago but have kept their foot on the gas through the back end of the season. Although the 12-4 result, the Rats still showed offensive promise throughout the game. 

THE GAME

Anthony Ruocco is warming up for the postseason. He knocked an RBI single in the first to score the first River Rat. Another River Rat that had a big hit was Stewart Puckett, who has been on a tear with back-to-back multi-RBI games and extra-base hits. He knocked a 2-RBI double in the 3rd that brought the game a little closer in score. On an aggressive trip around the bases, he got the jump on a wild pitch to score. Puckett has been the offensive catalyst for the Rats since the All-Star Break and is showing no signs of stopping for the playoffs. 

THE STORY

Dawson Mock continues to be a record breaker this season, needing one walk to break the single-season walks record for the River Rats. The MVP Candidate is staying sharp and putting together a fantastic resume as he moves through the portal.  

The score reflects a bad night for pitching and a great night for the Suns' offense. 16 hits for the Suns and a few walks were what made the game a lucrative success for them. The River Rats face the Suns again tomorrow night in Sanford for game two of the three-game series, with all eyes on the bottom of the table as the bracket starts to fill out. 

Christian Bussiere, Daytona State

Photo by Taryn Friend, UF