Tarpons Splash Soto, Flying Tigers to Take Series

Gregory Soto struck out a season-high nine, but the Flying Tigers bats went cold on a hot Sunday afternoon as Lakeland lost 3-0 to the Tampa Tarpons.

The Tarpons offense roared early, loading the bases with none out in the top of the first against Soto. After Dom Thompson-Williams struck out, Soto uncorked a wild pitch to score leadoff man Ben Ruta, providing the Tarpons with a slim 1-0 lead. Soto escaped the rest of the inning unscathed and did not allow another hit on the afternoon, finishing with six innings pitched, one run allowed, and nine strikeouts.
Lakeland's offense was controlled by Tampa from the outset, as the Tarpons staff combined for a two-hit shutout. Starter Adonis Rosa allowed just two hits over five innings and did not allow a Flying Tiger to advance past second base. Reliever Phillip Diehl followed by striking out all six batters he faced, and Greg Weissert and Matt Wivinis added two perfect innings to close out the 3-0 win.
Up Next: The Flying Tigers travel to Bradenton to take on the Marauders in a four-game series from July 9-12. Spenser Watkins will put his Florida State League-leading ERA to the test at 6:30 p.m. Monday at LECOM Park.
The Flying Tigers will return to Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on Friday, July 13 for a brief three-game homestand against the Fort Myers Miracle and Miguel Sanó. Grab your motorcycle for Bike Night on Friday the 13^th, which also features a 1968 Willie Horton or Al Kaline bobblehead giveaway to the first 200 paid fans.
On Saturday, Publix Field will host the Florida Ice Cream Festival, fireworks, a tribute concert to Tina Turner and the Blues Brothers, and Southpaw's birthday!
Get your tickets at LakelandFlyingTigers.com or by calling the BayCare Box Office at (863) 413-4140.