Bottom of Order Leads Way as Tampa Sweeps Florida
Published on May 22, 2019 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Tampa Tarpons News Release
Pablo Olivares of the Tampa Tarpons bolts out of the box
(Tampa Tarpons, Credit: Mark LoMoglio)
TAMPA, Fla. - The bottom of the lineup tallied six hits and scored all seven runs in support of a scoreless outing by RHP Frank German as the Tarpons completed a three-game sweep of the Florida Fire Frogs with a 7-1 victory on Wednesday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
The six-through-nine hitters - Jason Lopez, Angel Aguilar, Welfrin Mateo and Tyler Hill, combined to go 6-for-11 with two walks, 3 RBI and seven runs scored, while Pablo Olivares paced the offense with three hits from the leadoff spot.
Lopez walked and advanced to third on a base hit to right by Aguilar before scoring on a sacrifice fly by Mateo to begin the bottom of the second. Hill walked and Olivares singled to load the bases and, one out later, Isiah Gilliam lined a two-out, two-run single to center.
Florida starter Philip Pfeifer struck out back-to-back batters to begin the bottom of the third before Aguilar, Mateo and Hill reached on three-straight two-out singles. Aguilar and Mateo both scored on the knock by Hill, giving Tampa (20-25) a 5-0 lead.
Pfeifer (L, 0-2) retired six of the final seven batters he faced to complete five innings in his third-straight start. The southpaw allowed a career-high five earned runs on seven hits and four walks while tallying four strikeouts on 102 pitches (62 strikes).
After a perfect first, Germán labored through his middle innings, stranding two runners each in the second, third and fourth frames. The 21-year-old got a double-play to help him face the minimum in the fifth and retired the first two batters of the sixth before getting pulled.
Germán (W, 2-2) scattered four hits and three walks over five and two-third shutout innings, tallying a career-high eight strikeouts on 95 pitches (64 strikes). It was the third-consecutive scoreless outing by a Tampa starter.
Mateo, Hill and Olivares all singled to open the bottom of the sixth off Fire Frogs' reliever Walter Borkovich, with Mateo scoring on the base hit by Olivares. After a wild pitch advanced the runners, Hill scored on a groundout by Oswaldo Cabrera, giving the Tarpons a 7-0 lead.
Florida (19-27) scored its lone run off RHP Braden Bristo in the seventh when Izzy Wilson doubled and scored on a base hit by Juan Morales. Bristo tallied three strikeouts in two and a third before RHP Kyle Zurak notched a punchout in a 1-2-3 ninth.
Olivares (3-for-5, RBI) logged his third three-hit game of the season. Lopez (1-for-2, 2B, 2BB, R) and Hill (2-for-3, BB, 2RBI, 2R, CS) reached base three times apiece. Mateo (2-for-3, Sac-F, RBI, 2R) and Gilliam (1-for-4, BB, 2RBI) also reached base multiple times.
Up next, the Tarpons visit Bradenton to play four games against the Marauders at LECOM Park. RHP Glenn Otto (1-1, 2.51) is slated to start the series-opener against LHP Domingo Robles (4-5, 2.57) on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Live play-by-play of the action will be available on the Tampa Tarpons Baseball Network.
Following a Monday off-day, Tampa will play a road series against Dunedin before returning home to host the Marauders on Friday, May 31, at 6:30 p.m.On Sink-or-Swim Friday, fans can enjoy all-you-can-drink Bud, Bud Light and Select Liquors for $20 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Images from this story
 Angel Aguilar of the Tampa Tarpons with a big swing (Mark LoMoglio) |
 Tampa Tarpons pitcher Frank German (Mark LoMoglio) |
 Isiah Gilliam and Kevin Mahoney of the Tampa Tarpons exchange a high five (Mark LoMoglio) |
 Pablo Olivares of the Tampa Tarpons bolts out of the box (Mark LoMoglio) |
Florida State League Stories from May 22, 2019
- Threshers Close out Series against Daytona with Extra-Inning Loss - Clearwater Threshers
- 'Tugas Rally, Top Threshers in Walk-Off, 8-7 - Daytona Tortugas
- Nine Run Inning Pushes Dunedin to Victory - Dunedin Blue Jays
- Bottom of Order Leads Way as Tampa Sweeps Florida - Tampa Tarpons
- Florida Tangled by Tampa, 7-1 - Florida Fire Frogs
- Cabbage Goes Deep, But Bradenton Rallies Late - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Huge Inning Propels Blue Jays to 11-5 Win at Mets - St. Lucie Mets
- 'Tugas Welcome Miracle for Memorial Day Weekend - Daytona Tortugas
- Fort Myers Miracle to Host Inaugural 'Teddy Bear Toss' on June 7 to Benefit Golisano Children's Hospital - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Dunedin Seeks the Series Win in St. Lucie in a Morning Affair - Dunedin Blue Jays
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
