SANFORD, Fla. - The DeLand Suns were run-ruled 8-0 in eight innings by the Sanford River Rats in game one of the 2025 Florida League Semifinal. 

It was a close contest going into the later innings, Sanford held a tight 2-0 lead into the seventh but an offensive onslaught would lead to the run-rule. The River Rats put runners on first and second with no outs, Anthony Saleeba (Gulf Coast CC) laid down a sac bunt but a defensive miscue led the pitcher to throw the ball wide of first, both runners scored on the error and Saleeba safely stood at third base. The MVP favorite, Dawson Mock (USF), stepped to the plate and was intentionally walked in an attempt to prevent more runs from coming across. Mock stole second to put two runners in scoring position. The batter to follow Mock was Braden Calise (UCF) and he made the Suns pay for the intentional pass. With a well hit ball to left field, Saleeba and Mock scored, giving the Rats a four-run frame. 

Sanford continued their scoring in the eighth, a hit-by-pitch and three consecutive singles scored one and loaded the bases. Cameron King (Seminole State) notched one to centerfield and despite a diving attempt by Michael O’Brien (Kaskaskia) the runner at third scored to end the ball-game.

DeLand was able to threaten but dominant pitching and defensive wizardry prevented any sort of rally for DeLand. River Rats pitching recorded 15 strikeouts in the contest and when DeLand was able to manufacture baserunners, well-executed defense shut the door on them. Of the five Suns to advance into scoring position, only one of them reached third. 

Despite the loss, offensive standouts for DeLand include Holden Brauner (Undecided) who went 2-3 for the second night in a row. In the lead-off spot, Eli TIdwell (Undecided) went 1-2 with two walks.

The Suns will have one more chance to keep their playoff hopes alive as they host the River Rats for game two of the semifinal at Conrad Park on July, 23, at 7 pm. 

Adrian Delgado (UCF)