The Tampa Tarpons built an early four-run lead and answered each Lakeland Flying Tigers comeback attempt Wednesday, defeating Lakeland 9-7 on July 29, 2026, at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. Luis Puello supplied the early power with a first-inning grand slam. The home run was Puello’s 10th of the season.
Wilberson De Pena and Yostin Pena opened the first inning with consecutive singles before Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek walked to load the bases. After a strikeout, Puello drove a 1-0 pitch over the right-center-field wall to give Tampa a 4-0 lead. Tyler Boudreau had retired Lakeland in order in the top of the inning.
Javier Osorio answered with a second-inning grand slam for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, tying the game at 4-4. The Tampa Tarpons quickly reclaimed the lead when Brando Mayea singled and scored on Yostin Pena’s two-out RBI single. Tampa added another run in the third after Puello walked and scored following a throwing error and wild pitch.
Lakeland pulled even again in the fourth inning on an RBI double and a sacrifice fly. Tampa responded with two outs when Martin-Grudzielanek singled and Hans Montero followed with an RBI triple, restoring the Tarpons’ lead at 7-6. Luis Escudero then hit a solo home run in the fifth inning to add another run.
Engelth Urena doubled and scored on a balk in the seventh inning, giving Tampa a 9-7 advantage. Tyler Boudreau earned the victory after allowing six runs over 5.2 innings and recording five strikeouts, improving to 6-2. Jose M. Rodriguez pitched 2.1 innings of relief and surrendered one unearned run, while Jose Martinez recorded his first save of the season.
Next game
The Tampa Tarpons are scheduled to face the Lakeland Flying Tigers again Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at GMS Field. The game will be the next meeting between the teams. Tampa is coming off the 9-7 victory at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Source: Original report