Lakeland Tops Tampa in Rain-Shortened Opener

The Flying Tigers rode Anthony Castro's complete game and an explosive second inning to a rain shortened, 4-1 victory over the Tampa Tarpons.

In the top of the second inning, the Tarpons scored their one and only run when right fielder Steven Sensley belted a homer to right. After the home run, Castro settled down and allowed just one hit over his final three frames. He finished with six strikeouts over five innings for his second complete game of the season.
The Flying Tigers responded in big way in the bottom half of the inning with four runs. With the bases loaded and no outs, a throwing error from third baseman David Metzgar allowed Kade Scivicque and Austin Athmann to score. Two outs later, Luke Burch doubled to knock in Dylan Burdeaux and Jose Azocar, giving the Flying Tigers a 4-1 lead.
With Scivicque batting in the bottom of the fifth and the Flying Tigers ahead by three, the skies opened and the game was declared complete. The win improves Lakeland's record to 10-3 in the second half and increases their lead over Clearwater to one game.
Up Next: Alfred Gutierrez (1-2, 2.40 ERA) looks to lead the Flying Tigers to a series-clinching victory over Nick Nelson (3-2, 3.52 ERA) and the Tarpons Saturday at 6:00 p.m.
Gates open early at 4:30 p.m. tomorrow for Shriners Night. The Bahia (Orlando) and Egypt (Tampa) Shriners will host a pre-game parade and raise awareness for Shriners Hospital for Children and Shriners International.