Jake Clemente allowed four runs in five innings, including two home runs, as the Jupiter Hammerheads lost 8-3 to the Tampa Tarpons on Thursday night at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. The defeat was Jupiter’s third consecutive loss against Tampa in the Florida State League series. Clemente also struck out six batters and allowed seven hits and one walk.
The Jupiter Hammerheads entered the game with a 23-32 second-half record and a 60-61 overall record. The Tampa Tarpons came in at 37-18 in the second half and 72-49 overall. The game was the third contest of the six-game series.
Tarpons Take Control With Four-Run Fourth
Paul Contrares opened the scoring with a solo home run in the top of the first inning. It was Contrares’ first professional home run and gave the Tampa Tarpons a 1-0 lead. Jupiter answered in the bottom of the second inning.
Luis Cova drew a walk, stole second and third base, and scored when Eric Guevara reached on an RBI fielder’s choice. Jake McCutcheon drew a walk earlier in the inning to put runners at the corners. Guevara’s play allowed Jupiter to tie the game at 1-1.
Tampa regained the lead in the top of the fourth inning. After Brando Mayea singled, stole second and advanced to third on a groundout, Ediel Rivera hit an RBI single with two outs. Dax Kilby followed with a two-run home run, giving the Tarpons a 4-1 advantage.
It was the first time in Clemente’s professional career that he allowed two or more home runs in an appearance. Edinzo Marquez earned the win after completing five innings for the first time this season with Tampa and allowing one run. The Tarpons added to their lead in the sixth inning when Tyce Armstrong hit an RBI single.
Tampa Adds Four Runs in Eighth
Armstrong hit a solo home run in the top of the eighth inning. After Tampa drew three consecutive walks, Wilberson De Pena hit an RBI single, and Contrares followed with a sacrifice fly. The sequence extended the Tarpons’ lead to 8-1.
Jupiter scored twice in the bottom of the eighth inning. Luis Arana hit an RBI infield single to score Angel Brachi, then later stole home with two outs to make the score 8-3. The Hammerheads could not overcome the deficit.
Engel Peralta finished with 1 2/3 scoreless innings and two strikeouts. Kifraidy Encarnacion made his Single-A debut for Jupiter and pitched a scoreless seventh inning with one walk and one strikeout. PJ Morlando and Echedry Vargas each had two hits, combining for four of Jupiter’s six hits.
Hammerheads Continue Series Friday
The Jupiter Hammerheads and Tampa Tarpons will play the fourth game of their six-game series Friday, August 28, 2026. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Florida.
Source: Original report