The Flying Tigers claimed a 9-3 victory and series win over the visiting St. Lucie Mets, powered by Danny Pinero's 5 RBIs. Lakeland now sits just a game behind the first place Daytona Tortugas with eight to go before the end of the first half.
The Flying Tigers claimed a 9-3 victory and series win over the visiting St. Lucie Mets, powered by Danny Pinero's 5 RBIs. Lakeland now sits just a game behind the first place Daytona Tortugas with eight to go before the end of the first half.
Patience proved to be a virtue early for the Flying Tigers, who chased Mets starter Blake Taylor after he walked the bases loaded with two outs in the first. Reliever Adam Atkins issued the fourth walk of the inning to score Isaac Paredes, followed by a two-run single from Anthony Pereira that gave the Flying Tigers a 3-0 lead. The three first inning runs exceeded their run total from the past four games combined.
St. Lucie answered with a solo home run from Desmond Lindsay in the top of the second, but after a walk, hit batter, and wild pitch in the bottom half of the frame, Danny Pinero responded with a two-run double to stretch Lakeland's lead to 5-1. Pinero contributed to the onslaught yet again in the fourth, blasting his fifth home run of the year, a three-run shot that gave the Flying Tigers a commanding 8-2 lead.
Cam Gibson hit a solo homer in the eighth to push the final margin to 9-3.
Tom de Blok limited the Mets to two runs on three hits in six innings of work to lower his season ERA to 5.98 as he continues to distance himself from his early-season struggles. Trey Teakell allowed one run in three innings of relief to record his first save since 2015.
Up Next: On Monday night, the Flying Tigers (33-29) welcome the Jupiter Hammerheads (37-25) to Publix Field for the start of a four-game series leading into the All-Star break. Tigers 2017 first-round pick Alex Faedo (2-4, 3.20 ERA) will make the start, looking to extend a streak of four straight allowing one run or less.
Fans are encouraged to bring their canines to the game for Bark in the Park night. You and your dog will have the opportunity to pose for on-field pictures before the game. Monday also features $1 hot dog night, presented by Kayem Franks.
