Lakeland, FL - Stellar pitching and defense paved the way for Chad Sedio's walk-off single that sent the Flying Tigers to their third straight win and a series-clinching victory over the Daytona Tortugas.
Lakeland, FL - Stellar pitching and defense paved the way for Chad Sedio's walk-off single that sent the Flying Tigers to their third straight win and a series-clinching victory over the Daytona Tortugas.
The Tortugas began the game with a bang as Courtney Hawkins smashed a solo home run against Spenser Watkins in the first, establishing an early 1-0 lead. Watkins settled in and didn't allow another hit after the homer, finishing with seven strong innings of one-run ball.
Daytona starter Scott Moss was equally effective against the Flying Tigers, carrying a shutout through the first five innings. In the sixth, Troy Montgomery scored on a sacrifice fly from Jose Azocar to put the Flying Tigers on the board and tie the game at one apiece.
Lakeland relievers Liarvis Breto and Eduardo Jiménez combined to keep the game tied through the ninth and into the tenth. According to Minor League Baseball extra inning rules, both teams begin each additional inning with a runner on second base. A hit-by-pitch and wild pitch from Jimenez in the top of the tenth put runners on second and third with no outs, but the Flying Tigers escaped unscathed when center fielder Luke Burch caught Stuart Fairchild's fly ball and gunned down Hawkins at the plate to end the inning.
Speedster Derek Hill began the bottom of the tenth at second base as a pinch runner for Andres Sthormes, who made the last out in the ninth. Burch bunted Hill over to third for Chad Sedio, who lined a ball into right to score Hill and win the game for the Flying Tigers. Sedio has 6 RBIs through the first three games of the series against Daytona.
The Flying Tigers now sit in third place in the Florida State League North Division, four games behind the first-place Clearwater Threshers with twelve to play.
Up Next: 2018 No. 1 overall draft pick Casey Mize (0-1, 4.82 ERA) will make his fifth professional start as the Flying Tigers look to break out the brooms against the Daytona Tortugas on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for the inaugural Love, Soul, and Rock 'n Roll BBQ Festival. Fans can interact with Elvis, the King of Rock 'n Roll, and sample barbecue from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Adults 21 and older can also enjoy half-price select draft beer, wine, and frozen cocktails. Get your tickets at http://bit.ly/2nB2E1z or by calling the BayCare Box Office at (863) 413-4140.
