Jackson Lovich hit a two-out, two-run double in the bottom of the eighth inning to break a scoreless tie and lift the Tampa Tarpons to a 3-0 victory over the Clearwater Threshers on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
The Tampa Tarpons pitching staff kept Clearwater off the scoreboard throughout the afternoon. J.T. Etheridge struck out seven over four innings, and Jose Ledesma escaped a bases-loaded jam in the fifth inning. Josh Tiedemann pitched the seventh inning before Jordarlin Mendoza delivered a scoreless eighth inning and earned the win.
Tampa Tarpons break through in the eighth
The Tampa Tarpons created their decisive opportunity with two outs in the eighth inning. Ediel Rivera and Isael Arias drew back-to-back walks, and Lovich followed with a double that scored both runners and gave Tampa a 2-0 lead.
Hans Montero followed with an RBI single that scored Lovich and extended the lead to 3-0. Hans Montero and Willy Montero each had two hits, while the Tampa Tarpons pitching staff combined for a 12-strikeout shutout.
Matthew Tippie pitched the ninth inning and recorded his fourth save of the season. The Tampa Tarpons entered the All-Star break with a 15-6 second-half record and are scheduled to return to action Friday, July 17, against the Bradenton Marauders at home.
Source: Original report