Nick Lodolo exits early, but Daytona Tortugas beat Jupiter on Opening Day
Cincinnati Reds starter Nick Lodolo departed with an injury in the third inning, but the Daytona Tortugas hung on to beat Jupiter to kick off 2026.
DAYTONA BEACH — The Daytona Tortugas christened their renovated home April 2 with an opening-night victory. Jacob Friend and Bernard Moon launched solo home runs, and a trio of Tortugas pitchers combined to toss a three-hitter in a 4-2 victory over the Jupiter Hammerheads at Jackie Robinson Ballpark . Thursday's opener featured a tantalizing pitching matchup between starters on rehab assignments with their respective clubs: Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo and Miami Marlins top prospect Thomas White.
Lodolo retired Jupiter's first eight hitters in order with four strikeouts, but exited with a blister after throwing just 40 of his scheduled 60-65 pitches. The 28-year-old has spent time on the injured list each of the last three seasons due to blister issues. "Electric, a ton of fun to catch," said Friend, the Tortugas' starting catcher.
"Whenever you can have a guy like that come down and be with us so guys can watch and learn, it's always fun. " Reds manager Terry Francona said Lodolo was set to make his 2026 debut during the team's April 6-9 series in Miami, barring a setback. White, the No.
1 prospect in Miami's farm system, struck out four in 2⅔ innings but served up a towering home run to Friend over the brand-new player development facility beyond the right field wall. Luis De La Cruz entered in White's place and promptly committed three balks, allowing Ichiro Cano to trot around the bases and score Daytona's second run. Moon belted a solo homer to center in the fourth to give the Tortugas a 3-0 advantage.