The Jupiter Hammerheads lost 2-1 to the Tampa Tarpons on Wednesday night at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, where Echedry Vargas set the franchise single-season home run record. Vargas hit his 25th home run of the season in the bottom of the first inning to surpass the mark established by Marcell Ozuna in 2012. The rain-shortened game ended after five innings when rain and lightning made the field unplayable.
The Tampa Tarpons scored first in the top of the first inning against Jupiter Hammerheads starting pitcher Manuel Genao. After a walk and a single, Bear Harrison followed with an RBI single to center field with one out. The hit gave Tampa a 1-0 lead.
Vargas tied the game in the bottom of the inning against Tampa starting pitcher Tyler Boudreau. With two outs, he hit a solo home run to left field for his 25th homer of the season. The home run broke the Jupiter Hammerheads single-season record set by Ozuna in 2012.
Tampa Tarpons Regain the Lead
The Tampa Tarpons moved back in front in the top of the third inning. With one out and runners at first and third, Harrison hit a sacrifice fly that scored Dax Kilby and gave Tampa a 2-1 lead. The score remained unchanged through the rest of the game.
Genao completed five innings and allowed two runs on four hits and four walks while striking out five batters. Boudreau also pitched five innings and held the Jupiter Hammerheads to one run on one hit, with Vargas providing Jupiter’s only hit. The game was the second of a six-game series.
The Jupiter Hammerheads entered the game with a 23-31 record in the second half and a 60-60 overall record. The Tampa Tarpons entered with a 34-19 second-half record and a 70-49 overall record. Jupiter is a Class A affiliate of the Miami Marlins and competes in the Florida State League.
Game three of the series is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 27, with first pitch set for 6:30 p.m.
Source: Original report