
Mighty Mussels Game Notes & Lineups - Tue, Aug 13 vs Lakeland
August 13, 2024 - Florida State League (FSL)
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels News Release
The Mighty Mussels return home Tuesday to begin a six-game series with the Lakeland Flying Tigers (DET). Fort Myers holds a 2.0 game lead over Lakeland for the FSL West Championship with 24 games to play.
Pitching Matchups
Tue, 7:05 pm - LHP Cesar Lares (2-3, 4.71) vs LHP Gabriel Reyes (1-1, 3.33)
Wed, 7:05 pm - RHP Charlee Soto (1-4, 5.15) vs LHP Andrew Sears (5-4, 2.53)
Thu, 7:05pm - RHP Jose Olivares (2-1, 2.90) vs RHP Duque Hebbert (2-1, 6.02)
SERIES OF THE SEASON!
After going 5-1 last week, the Mighty Mussels currently hold a 2.0 game lead on the Lakeland Flying Tigers heading into this week's series. With 24 games to play, Fort Myers has to at least split the series to avoid falling into a tie for first. The Lakeland active roster currently features two ranked prospects:
Lakeland MLB BA
INF Cristian Santana 29 28
INF Franyerber Montilla - 21
Despite having a winning record in 10 of its last 11 seasons, Fort Myers has qualified for the playoffs only once in three years of the Mussels' era - losing to Dunedin in the first round in 2022. The Miracle claimed the FSL Championship in 2014 and 2018.
HALL & HAMILTON PROMOTED
Two of the Mussels' hottest pitchers were promoted on the off day Monday, as both Tanner Hall and Xander Hamilton were transferred to High-A Cedar Rapids. Hall, who was named the FSL Pitcher of the Week Monday, tossed seven scoreless innings to beat Jupiter on Thursday. He struck out 39 batters over his last 26.2 innings, setting a new career high in innings in each of his last two outings. Hall's top three totals in innings, strikeouts and pitches have been recorded within his last four outings.
Hamilton, meanwhile, was leading the Mussels in appearances and had posted 1.77 ERA since June 21 (24 K, 5 BB in 20.1 IP).
DRAFT PICK DOMINATION!
The Mighty Mussels added 2024 first round pick Kaelen Culpepper to their roster Friday, promoting Rixon Wingrove to Cedar Rapids. Culpepper is the eighth draft pick to be added to the roster, and ninth new hitter added in the last two weeks:
ADDED
- SS Kaelen Culpepper - 1st Rd pick (8/9)
- OF Caden Kendle - 5th Rd pick (8/6)
- C Derek Bender - 6th Rd pick (8/6)
- 3B Jay Thomason - 17th Rd pick (8/6)
- SS Kyle DeBarge - 1C Rd pick (8/3)
- 3B Billy Amick - 2nd Rd pick (8/3)
- C Khadim Diaw - 3rd Rd pick (8/3)
- C/OF Jaime Ferrer - 4th Rd pick (8/3)
The draft picks were clearly the difference in the series in Jupiter. The eight draftees posted a .724 OPS in their first week of pro ball, higher than the team OPS of .711, and accounted for most of the raw production as well:
DRAFT PICKS
% of TOTAL
Hits 40 73%
RBI 21 64%
Walks 17 53%
Stolen Bases 13 76%
Total Bases 53 67%
• Discuss this story on the Florida State League message board...
Florida State League Stories from August 13, 2024
- Mets' Draft Picks Debut, Provide Spark in 3-2 Win vs. Daytona - St. Lucie Mets
- Bullpen Racks up Six Scoreless Frames, Blanked at Home - Bradenton Marauders
- Lares, Bender Lead Mussels Past Flying Tigers 6-2 - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Blue Jays Shut out Bradenton to Win Opener - Dunedin Blue Jays
- Faltine Homers, Lorant Strong, But St. Lucie Wins in Ninth - Daytona Tortugas
- Spikerman Smacks Three-Hits in Series-Opening Win - Clearwater Threshers
- Mighty Mussels Game Notes & Lineups - Tue, Aug 13 vs Lakeland - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Marauders Homestand Highlights Tuesday, August 13 - Sunday, August 18 - Bradenton Marauders
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.
Other Recent Fort Myers Mighty Mussels Stories
- Bluey, Bingo Highlight Opening Homestand for Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Mighty Mussels Announce 2025 Opening Night Roster, Featuring Three Top 30 Prospects
- Mighty Mussels Announce 2025 Promotional Schedule
- Mighty Mussels' 2025 Schedule and Game Times Finalized
- Seth Feldman to Lead Mighty Mussels' Coaching Staff in 2025

