Flying Tigers Outduel Mets in 1-0 Victory

After falling to St. Lucie in a pitcher's duel last night, the Flying Tigers returned the favor on Saturday with a thrilling 1-0 win. Starter Alfred Gutierrez threw five no-hit innings to anchor the combined shutout against the Mets.

The two teams combined for one hit through the first five innings as the game remained scoreless through six. Isaac Paredes singled in the bottom of the first for Lakeland but was stranded by a Danny Pinero groundout that ended the inning. The Flying Tigers did not register another hit until the sixth, when Derek Hill led off the inning with a double but could not come around to score.
The Flying Tigers finally manufactured a run in the bottom of the seventh. Paredes led off with his second single of the game, moved to second on a wild pitch, and advanced to third after a Pinero flyout to center. Troy Montgomery followed with a sacrifice fly to score Paredes for the only run of the game and his first RBI as a Flying Tiger.
As a staff, the Flying Tigers allowed just four hits while striking out nine in the team's third shutout of the season. St. Lucie did not record a hit until the sixth inning against reliever Burris Warner, who pitched three scoreless innings for the win. Eduardo Jiménez pitched the ninth for his Florida State League-leading tenth save of the year.
Up Next: The Flying Tigers send Tom de Blok (3-4, 6.34 ERA) to the hill to take on Blake Taylor (1-2, 4.46 ERA) with a series win against St. Lucie on the line. Gates open at 12:00 p.m. and first pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
Fans can enjoy brunch in the 34 Club beginning at 12:00 p.m. The Flying Tigers will wear specialty military jerseys, honoring all active and retired military. Weather permitting, kids 12 and under can play catch on the field before the game (12:00-12:20) and run the bases after the game just like the Flying Tigers. All fans will receive a voucher for a free sundae compliments of Dairy Queen - North Lakeland.