Story by Narrative Science.

Alex Mendez drove in the go-ahead run to give the Sanford River Rats (2-1) the lead in the sixth inning, as the Sanford River Rats hung on to beat the Leesburg Lightning (1-1) 8-7 on Monday.

Lee Howard to start the sixth. He then went from first to third on an RBI single by Tyler Lesch. Finally, Mendez came to the plate with the score tied at five, and singled, plating Howard.

The Sanford River Rats staved off the Leesburg Lightning as the Leesburg Lightning were unable to match the Sanford River Rats down the stretch.

The Leesburg Lightning scored two runs in the seventh on an RBI single by Jason Matusik and a wild pitch. Despite their efforts, the Leesburg Lightning couldn't get over the hump.

Keith Curcio racked up two RBIs on two hits for the Sanford River Rats. He doubled in the fifth inning and singled in the sixth inning.

Eddie Abramson recorded his first win of the year for the Sanford River Rats. He allowed two runs over three innings. Abramson struck out one, walked one and gave up three hits.

Jonah Davis (0-1) was the game's losing pitcher. He lasted just one-third of an inning, walked one, struck out none, and allowed two runs.