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Leesburg, Fla. - The Suns (12-9-1) traveled to historic Pat Thomas Stadium at Buddy Lowe Field to face the defending champion Leesburg Lightning (12-9) in a game full of opportunities that DeLand couldn't capitalize on, with the final score being 14-2.

Left-handed pitcher Dawson Turner (St. Leo) got the start for the Suns and threw 2.1 innings, allowing two earned runs while striking out two. Jace Trautner (Indian River State) started for Leesburg and threw five innings of one rule ball while striking out four.

The Lightning got things started thanks to a strikeout-turned-passed ball that got away from Anthony Gonzalez (Stetson) behind the plate, allowing Gabe Santiago (Coker College) to score from 3rd.

Gonzalez would redeem himself in the top half of the 2nd, driving in Nathan Cannizzaro (USF) to even things up at one. However, the DeLand defense would struggle, as the Lightning scored three runs in the bottom of the 2nd off of two errors made by the shortstop Nathan Cannizzaro.

Things would continue going downhill for the Suns, as the Lightning made it a 7-1 ballgame before the 6th. DeLand would finally score another run in the top half of the 6th, but Leesburg followed up with a 7-run inning of their own, led by an 0-2 grand slam off the bat of Orlando Pena (Valdosta State) that led to a mercy rule win in seven innings, thanks to being up by 12 runs.

I asked coach Jergens postgame what the main issue has been in back-to-back losses via the mercy rule: "We're not playing the way we need to play games to win. We didn't make the plays we should've made, which hurt us." With the off day on Thursday, all hands will be on deck as the Suns look to snap this two-game skid when the Snappers come to DeLand.

Up next: The DeLand Suns will return home to Melching Field on Wednesday, July 3rd, to host the Orlando Snappers. The first pitch is set for 5:00 p.m. ET. 

Dylan Stanley (Dordt University)