Yairo Padilla went 3-for-4 with an RBI double, one run scored and two stolen bases as the Palm Beach Cardinals defeated the Tampa Tarpons 4-3 on July 21 at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Florida. The comeback victory snapped Tampa’s six-game winning streak. Palm Beach entered the game 47-43 overall and 14-10 in the season series against Tampa.
The Tampa Tarpons took a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning against Palm Beach starting pitcher Payton Graham. Gabriel Lara drew a bases-loaded walk to open the scoring, and Jackson Lovich followed with an RBI single. Yordalin Pena threw out Brando Mayea at home plate on the play, recording his team-leading eighth outfield assist of the season.
Palm Beach Takes the Lead
The Palm Beach Cardinals cut the deficit in the bottom of the third inning. Ryan Weingartner hit an RBI groundout to make it 2-1, and the Cardinals later loaded the bases on one hit and two walks. Yordalin Pena then delivered a two-RBI single to give Palm Beach a 3-2 lead.
Palm Beach added to its advantage in the bottom of the fourth inning. Chase Heath reached on a walk and advanced to second base with two outs. Padilla drove him in with an RBI double to make it 4-2.
Palm Beach Bullpen Holds the Lead
Graham completed a career-high 4 1/3 innings and allowed two earned runs in a no-decision. Hunter Kublick finished the top of the fifth inning in relief. Zeke Wood followed with two perfect innings and three strikeouts to earn the win.
Yadiel Bautista set Tampa down in order in the top of the eighth inning to record a hold. Nelfy Ynfante then worked the top of the ninth inning for the save. The Tarpons loaded the bases with no outs, but Brando Mayea hit into a double play that scored one run before Gabriel Laura grounded out to end the game.
Tampa entered the game 53-38 overall and 18-7 in the season series. The Palm Beach Cardinals will continue the six-game series with the Tampa Tarpons at 12 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. The game is scheduled as the final Super Splash Day at the stadium for the 2026 season.
Source: Original report