Lakeland Falls to Tampa Late, 2-1

Alfred Gutierrez and Nick Nelson were locked in a pitcher's duel through six, but a late home run from Brandon Wagner evened the series and sent the Flying Tigers home with a loss.

Gutierrez cruised through the early portion of his outing, facing the minimum through six. After walking Tarpons second baseman Diego Castillo with one out in the first, Gutierrez struck out Brandon Wagner. Catcher Kade Scivicque then thwarted Castillo's attempt to steal second, ending the inning. Gutierrez proceeded to retire the next 15 batters he faced, carrying a no-hitter into the seventh, before Castillo tagged him for a double. Wagner followed with a mammoth two-run homer, his 17^th of the season, ending Gutierrez's shutout bid.
Scivicque tried to single-handedly bring Lakeland back with a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth against Tarpons closer Matt Wivinis, but designated hitter Austin Athmann flied out to right and first baseman Dylan Burdeaux grounded out to second to end the game.
Up Next: The Flying Tigers and Tarpons return to Publix Field Sunday at 1:00 p.m. for the rubber match of a three-game set. Gregory Soto (4-3, 4.72 ERA) looks to defeat Adonis Rosa (8-2, 3.84 ERA) and clinch the series for Lakeland.
Gates open at 12:00 p.m. tomorrow for Sunday Brunch in the 34 Club, featuring chicken and waffles as part of an all-you-can-eat buffet from 12:00-3:00 p.m. Kids 12 and under can play catch on the field from 12:00-12:20 p.m. and run the bases after the game (weather permitting). All fans will receive a voucher for a free sundae, compliments of Dairy Queen. Get your tickets at http://bit.ly/2tYBOnz or by calling the BayCare Box Office at (863) 413-4140.