Lakeland, FL - The Flying Tigers offense backed Michael Fulmer's four scoreless innings with 15 hits as Lakeland kept pace with Clearwater in the race for first, defeating the Florida Fire Frogs 11-2.
Lakeland, FL - The Flying Tigers offense backed Michael Fulmer's four scoreless innings with 15 hits as Lakeland kept pace with Clearwater in the race for first, defeating the Florida Fire Frogs 11-2.
Jose Azocar and Austin Athmann started the scoring with RBI singles in the second, putting the Flying Tigers up 2-0. Lakeland added three more in the fourth on an RBI groundout from Athmann, a run-scoring triple from Derek Hill, and an error by Fire Frogs third baseman CJ Alexander.
Fulmer, making his second rehab start for Lakeland as he recovers from an oblique strain, dominated the Fire Frogs over four innings, striking out seven while allowing just one hit. Anthony Castro entered in relief and picked up where Fulmer left off, striking out two in a perfect fifth.
In the bottom of the fifth, Athmann singled in Brock Deatherage with the bases loaded for his third RBI of the night. Hill followed with a walk that scored Jose Azocar, AJ Simcox singled to plate Dylan Burdeaux, and Athmann scored on a groundout by Chad Sedio. At the end of the fifth, the Flying Tigers had stretched the lead to 9-0.
The Fire Frogs scratched across a run in the top of the sixth when Azocar tried to nail Drew Waters running from first to third on a single. Pinero could not handle the throw and Waters scooted home to score.
RBI singles from Burdeaux in the sixth and eighth gave the Flying Tigers eleven runs. A solo home run from Garrison Schwartz in the top of the ninth set the final score to 11-2. With the win, the Flying Tigers remained three games back of the Clearwater Threshers in the Florida State League North Division. The Fire Frogs have been eliminated from the playoff picture.
Up Next: Gregory Soto (7-6, 4.42 ERA) will take the mound for the Flying Tigers against Tucker Davidson (6-10, 4.71 ERA) and the Fire Frogs. With a win, the Flying Tigers would claim their second straight sweep and a perfect homestand.
Gates open at 12:00 p.m. and first pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Fans can enjoy Sunday brunch in the 34 Club from 12:00-3:00 p.m., featuring pancakes with assorted toppings. Kids 12 and under can play catch on the field from 12:00-12:20 p.m. and run the bases following the game (weather permitting). Get your tickets at http://bit.ly/2OyNcya or by calling the BayCare Box Office at (863) 413-4140.
