Danny's Granny Catapults Flying Tigers to Sweep

Lakeland, FL - Danny Pinero's grand slam jump-started a nine-run first inning, propelling the Flying Tigers to a rain-shortened 12-1 victory and four-game sweep over the Daytona Tortugas. The nine runs are tied for the most scored in an inning by the Flying Tigers this season.

The Flying Tigers started out hot from the onset, loading the bases with nobody out. Danny Pinero then stepped up and crushed his second grand slam of the season, giving the Flying Tigers a quick 4-0 lead. Two batters later, AJ Simcox tripled to right to score Jose Azocar. After a hit batsman and a walk reloaded the bases, Chad Sedio's base clearing tripled to right ended Daytona starter Andrew Jordan's night after just 2/3 of an inning. Troy Montgomery greeted reliever Kevin Canelon with a single, scoring Sedio and bringing Lakeland's first-inning run total to nine.
The Tortugas scored a run against Casey Mize in the second on singles from Bruce Yari and Tyler Stephenson. The 2018 No. 1 overall draft pick battled command through two innings of work, throwing just 34 of 52 pitches for strikes while allowing one run.
The Flying Tigers scored the tenth and eleventh runs of the night in the third, when Pinero grounded out to score Sedio, and Austin Athmann beat out an infield single to score Montgomery. Montgomery added one more run in the fourth for good measure on a sacrifice fly, increasing the lead to 12-1.
After Eudis Idrogo pitched a scoreless top of the fifth, severe weather sent the game into delay and forced the early completion of the blowout win.
Since the Flying Tigers were ahead at the completion of 4 ½ innings, the game is considered official. Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded.
Up Next: Matt Manning, the Detroit Tigers No. 3 Prospect (according to MLB Pipeline), looks to take on the Florida Fire Frogs and lead the Flying Tigers to a fifth straight win. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Tomorrow's game features Super Hero Night as fans can meet and greet with Captain America, Dr. Strange, Black Widow, Spiderman, Batman, and Wonder Woman from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the concourse. The first 700 fans through the gate will also receive a free team photo, compliments of La Imperial Café. Adults 21 and older can also enjoy $3 domestic drafts, $4 premium drafts, and $5 specialty cocktails. Get your tickets at http://bit.ly/2MhgcxI or by calling the BayCare Box Office at (863) 413-4140.