Large crowd cheers Suns, 2-1

By Roger Gilmore
BEACON SPORTS EDITOR

posted Jul 13, 2009 - 11:12:19am

There was a super crowd, and the fans were treated to an outstanding game, as the DeLand Suns shaded past the Leesburg Lightning, 2-1, in one of the best Florida Collegiate Summer League (wooden bats) contests of the 2009 season here on Melching Field at Conrad Park.

No official word at this writing as to the total fans on hand for the league’s first Bright House Sports Network production, but I would guess between 1,700 and 1,800.

There were a lot of specials for the game. The first 200 fans through the gates were given an official FCSL baseball. Brian’s Bar-B-Que was prepared to provide dinner for the first 1,500 fans at the game, after the fifth inning.

One of the game’s highlights was an autograph session featuring the two baseball-legend managers — Davey Johnson of the Suns and Frank Viola of the Lightning. Several hundred fans took advantage and got autographs. A silent auction, featuring many items autographed by Johnson and Viola, was held. Members of the Suns also joined in the autograph session.

There were actually five official first pitches to open the game. Mayor Bob Apgar, along with City Commissioners Leigh Matusick, Willie Bright and Charles Paiva, fired away, while Brian Hill of Brian’s Bar-B-Que had a “smoker” from the mound.

The center and third-base seating areas were pretty well packed, while the first-base area was empty, as that area is currently being sealed to prevent leakage. The other two sections will be done later.

The fans were treated to an impressive pitching duel as well, with Jimmy Nelson working the first seven innings for the Suns, with a two-hitter and a run, while ringing up 11 on strikes, and walking five for his fourth win in five decisions. Eric Swegman had a hitless eighth- and ninth-inning effort, with two walks and a strikeout to earn his first save.

Kyle Wahl had a shutout, working into the fifth inning, when he was tagged for a home run by Alejandro Sanchez to account for both the Suns runs. Wahl allowed a total of five hits in five-and-two-thirds innings, with five strikeouts and a base on balls to stand 2-3 on the year. Eric Doty closed up.

Brandt Hendricks and Taylor Wrenn each singled twice for the Suns, and Emmanuel Castro added another. Michael Albaladejo doubled, and Michael Dufek singled for the Lightning.

The Suns improved to 18-8, and are still two-and-a-half games ahead of the Sanford River Rats (16-11), who also won Tuesday. The Lightning slipped to 13-11.

Thursday night, the Suns were hosting the Clermont Mavericks with rainstorms in the area. Friday evening, the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs were due here. Saturday was an open date, while Sunday listed Leesburg back here.

Today, Monday, July 13, the Mavericks will return. There will then be a break in the regular schedule on Tuesday and Thursday, with Wednesday reserved for the All-Star Game at 7 p.m. in Sanford. Play will resume Saturday, with the Sanford River Rats here at 7 p.m.

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