The Tampa Tarpons lost 9-3 to the Lakeland Flying Tigers on Thursday night, July 30, at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Lakeland took control early and maintained its advantage until Tampa scored three runs in the eighth inning.
The Flying Tigers scored first in the opening inning after an error extended the frame. Nolan McCarthy followed with an RBI double to give Lakeland a 1-0 lead. Zach MacDonald added a two-run home run in the fourth inning, extending the lead to 3-0.
Lakeland scored three more runs in the fifth inning to push the margin to 6-0. J.T. Etheridge was charged with six runs, five earned, over four-plus innings and struck out six. Greysen Carter allowed one hit and two walks over two innings in relief.
The Flying Tigers added three runs in the seventh inning on back-to-back solo home runs and Enderson Delgado’s RBI single. Lakeland led 9-0 before the Tarpons mounted their late rally.
Luis Escudero was hit by a pitch in the eighth inning, and Brando Mayea followed with a single. A Lakeland fielding error allowed both runners to score, and Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek followed with an RBI double. Martin-Grudzielanek finished 2-for-4 with two doubles and one RBI, while David McCann went 2-for-4 with two singles.
Tampa Tarpons Continue Series Friday
The Tampa Tarpons will continue their series against the Lakeland Flying Tigers on Friday night at GMS Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Source: Original report