Cruisers Top Suns, 10-3, Behind Strong Pitching and Late Surge

Jacksonville, FL — The Mayport Cruisers combined dominant pitching with a late offensive push to defeat the Jacksonville Suns 10-3 on April 29 at Greenland Park.

Mayport struck first with a run in the opening inning, then added three more in the third to build an early cushion. Chris Rogero highlighted the inning with a two-RBI triple, helping the Cruisers take control. A run in the fourth made it 5-0 before the offense quieted through the middle innings.

The Suns broke through in the sixth with two runs and added another in the seventh to cut the lead to 5-3, but the Cruisers bullpen held firm. Mayport pulled away late, scoring two runs in the eighth on an Alex Garcia two-RBI double and adding three more in the ninth to seal the victory.

Rogero got the start on the mound and was electric, striking out eight over 3 2/3 scoreless innings while allowing just two hits, though he did issue four walks. Kaleb Carey followed in relief, working 3 1/3 innings and allowing three hits and three runs, one earned, while striking out eight. Liam Ritten closed the door with two perfect innings, striking out three. Cruisers pitching totaled 19 strikeouts on the night.

At the plate, Kelby Staley led the way as the only Cruiser with multiple hits, going 2-for-5 with two runs scored, an RBI, and a stolen base. Rogero contributed offensively as well, finishing 1-for-3 with two walks, two runs scored, and his key two-RBI triple. Garcia’s two-run double in the eighth provided critical insurance.

Mayport finished with eight hits, while the Suns managed five. Both teams were charged with four errors.

Shane Upton started for Jacksonville and struck out 10 over six innings but was tagged for five runs, three earned, and took the loss. Andrew Hopkins led the Suns at the plate, going 3-for-5 and scoring a run.

Despite the Suns’ strong strikeout total on the mound, Mayport capitalized on key opportunities and backed it with overpowering pitching to secure the win.