River Rats Suffer Second Loss to Suns

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DELAND, Fla. (June 16, 2011) – The Sanford River Rats fell 4-2 to the DeLand Suns at Melching Field at Conrad Park Thursday night.

“Anytime you only give up four runs to a team in this league you feel pretty good about yourself, especially on the defensive side,” River Rats Head Coach Stephen Piercefield said. “They made some solid plays defensively, though, and were able to limit us that way.”

Chad Rood (Stetson) earned the win for the Suns after throwing six innings in which he walked one and allowed the only two Sanford runs of the night.

“A lot of credit goes to Rood. He did a nice job settling in after the first and really kept our hitters off balance,” Piercefield said.

Pat Fortunato (Rhode Island) and Austin Liput (USC Upstate) each scored a run in the first inning after a left fielder error moved them to scoring position and Johnny Mazur (Florida Tech) hit a single to score them.

Brandon Cowan (Lincoln Memorial) got the start for the River Rats and despite seven innings in which he struck out four, the three runs allowed in the bottom of the second got him the loss.

“He did a great job through seven innings, flipping up a lot of zeros which gave us a chance to stay in the ballgame,” Piercefield said. “He’s a quality arm. He’s done a great job in his three starts for us. He pitched to contact, pounded the strike zone, and got a couple of double plays. We’ve become accustomed to expecting that out of him. He comes out and gives our team a chance to win.”

Adam Maxon (Jacksonville) pitched in relief in the eighth, but despite striking out two batters, the Suns (5-5) dinged him for one more run to make it 4-2.

The River Rats (4-6) will enjoy their second straight three-game home stand this weekend. Their next game is at home against the Winter Haven Loggerheads (4-6) on Friday (June 17) night. First pitch is slated for 7pm. Pitcher of the Week Ray Hanson will get the start.