Lakeland drops back-and-forth affair to Daytona 9-6

Despite Zac Shepherd's second career grand slam, The Flying Tigers couldn't overcome Ibandel Isabel's continued power surge, dropping their third straight to Daytona.

The Tortugas jumped on the board in the second inning with their first of three home runs on the day, a two-run shot by Tyler Stephenson. The game remained 2-0 until the fourth, when the Flying Tigers loaded the bases for Zac Shepherd, who promptly launched a ball over the right field fence for his second career grand slam.
In a game that featured four lead-changing home runs, Ibandel Isabel's three-run bomb put the Tortugas back on top 5-4 in the sixth. However, Lakeland capitalized on two wild pitches and a throwing error by Daytona reliever Aaron Quillen in the bottom half of the inning, squeezing across two runs to reclaim the lead 6-5.
In the top of the eighth, Isabel's second three-run homer of the night, and fourth of the series, put the game away for good. Hector Vargas tacked on an insurance run with an RBI single to stretch the final margin to 9-6.
In three games at Publix Field this season, Daytona's Isabel is hitting .444 with four home runs and nine RBIs.
Up Next: The Flying Tigers look to avoid a four-game sweep at the hands of the first place Tortugas as they return to Publix Field Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
Fans can enjoy brunch in the 34 Club from 12:00-3:00 p.m. featuring live music and an all-you-can-eat buffet. Weather permitting, kids can play catch on the field (12:00 - 12:20 p.m.) and run the bases following the game. All fans will receive a voucher for a free sundae compliments of Dairy Queen - North Lakeland. The Flying Tigers will also be wearing special military themed jerseys.