LEESBURG – Just one night after being shutout for the first time, the Leesburg Lightning came out firing in Friday night's contest and thumped the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs 8-0 in just eight innings. Winter Park dropped to 6-23. It was the third time Winter Park has been mercy ruled this season, and second time by the Lightning. 

The Diamond Dawgs had more errors (4) than hits (3) in the ballgame, and Luis Rivero (Saint Leo) had two of those hits.

Knute Rockey (Embry-Riddle) started the game, but he certainly gave the team a chance. He threw three four strong innings, giving up just two earned runs, and when he left the game, it was still 3-0 in favor of Leesburg. 

Winter Park only had one baserunner advance to third, and just a handful of real opportunities all night. 

Bryan Burtoff (Holy Family) started the game for Leesburg and had his good stuff working. He completed five innings, earned the win, and struck out five Diamond Dawgs in the process. 

The outlook remains the same for the Diamond Dawgs. With seven games remaining on the schedule, they still have to make up about 3.5 games in the standings, but can’t afford any more losses if they want to make the playoffs. 

The good news, however, is they have a rubber match on Saturday at home with a chance to take the series. It will be played at Alfond Stadium on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. EST. 

TJ French (University of Georgia)