Spenser Watkins was effectively wild over six innings, carrying the Flying Tigers to a series-evening, 3-1 win against Fort Myers despite issuing a career-high six free passes.Spenser Watkins was effectively wild over six innings, carrying the Flying Tigers to a series-evening, 3-1 win against Fort Myers despite issuing a career-high
Spenser Watkins was effectively wild over six innings, carrying the Flying Tigers to a series-evening, 3-1 win against Fort Myers despite issuing a career-high six free passes.Spenser Watkins was effectively wild over six innings, carrying the Flying Tigers to a series-evening, 3-1 win against Fort Myers despite issuing a career-high six free passes.
The Miracle jumped on the board quickly in the top of the first. Centerfielder Aaron Whitefield singled on a bunt, stole second, and scored on a single by Taylor Grzelakowski. The run was the last of the day scored by Fort Myers, as Watkins settled in and did not allow another over his final five innings, pitching around six walks and three hits to lower his league-leading ERA to 1.54.
The Flying Tigers loaded the bases with nobody out in the second on three straight singles from Kade Scivicque, Austin Athmann, and Jose Azocar. Scivicque scored on a sacrifice fly from Zac Shepherd to tie the game at 1, but Athmann and Azocar were stranded to end the inning. Lakeland threatened again in the bottom of the fifth when Derek Hill walked and stole second with none out. Dylan Burdeaux then singled to score Hill and provide the Flying Tigers with a lead they would not relinquish.
Clark Brinkman laced an RBI triple in the sixth to add an insurance run and stretch the lead to two. Burris Warner threw two scoreless innings in relief and Drew Carlton struck out two in the ninth to earn his seventh save of the year.
Up Next: Franklin Perez (0-0, 6.00 ERA), the Detroit Tigers #1 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, looks to earn his first win of the season and help Lakeland take the series against Miguel Sanó, Royce Lewis, and the Fort Myers Miracle. First Pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
Fans can enjoy an all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch in the 34 Club, featuring biscuits and gravy, from 12:00-3:00 p.m. The Flying Tigers will wear special military-themed jerseys to honor all military personnel. Kids 12 and under can play catch on the field from 12:00-12:20 and run the bases following the game (weather permitting). Get your tickets at http://bit.ly/2JpgFaP or by calling the BayCare Box Office at (863) 413-4140.
