Lakeland, FL - Backed by five runs in the game's first three innings, Anthony Castro led the Flying Tigers to a 5-2 series-opening win over the Daytona Tortugas, allowing just two runs over five innings to earn his seventh win of the year.
Lakeland, FL - Backed by five runs in the game's first three innings, Anthony Castro led the Flying Tigers to a 5-2 series-opening win over the Daytona Tortugas, allowing just two runs over five innings to earn his seventh win of the year.
Lakeland's offense revved its engines early on, scoring in each of the first three innings. In the first, left fielder Luke Burch led off with a single, stole second, and scored on a single by Chad Sedio. Burch beat out a sacrifice bunt attempt in the second to put two men on for AJ Simcox, who laced a double to right to give the Flying Tigers a 3-0 lead.
Castro's lone struggles of the night came in the third, when the Tortugas scored both of their runs. With John Sansone on third base, Castro uncorked a wild pitch on ball four to Bruce Yari, allowing Sansone to race home and put Daytona on the board. After a second walk to catcher Tyler Stephenson, Courtney Hawkins lined an RBI double off the left-field wall to cut Lakeland's lead to one.
Derek Hill responded in the bottom of the third with a two-run triple to put the Flying Tigers comfortably back in front, 5-2. Fernando Perez relieved Castro in the sixth and pitched three scoreless innings to maintain the three-run lead. With closer Drew Carlton ready to shut the door on Daytona, the Flying Tigers doubled their run total, scoring five in the eighth to increase the lead to 10-2. No longer in a save situation, Carlton allowed one run in the ninth and preserve a 10-3 win.
Up Next: Detroit Tigers ace Michael Fulmer is scheduled to make a rehab appearance with the Flying Tigers on Tuesday against the Daytona Tortugas as he recovers from a left oblique strain. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
All fans can play baseball bingo for the chance to win prizes from Hooters, beginning in the second inning. Tomorrow night is also Taco Tuesday, featuring $2 tacos. Fans 21 and older can also enjoy $3 margaritas and Modelo specials.
