Tarpons Back Up Balkovec, Walk off Tortugas, 4-3
June 30, 2023 - Florida State League (FSL)
Tampa Tarpons News Release
Tampa Tarpons' Jesus Rodriguez at bat
(Tampa Tarpons)
TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Tarpons (3-3) handed the Daytona Tortugas (5-1) their first loss of the second half in walk-off fashion Friday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field. After being shut out for eight innings, the ejection of Manager Rachel Balkovec fueled the Tarpons to a thrilling walk-off victory. In the ninth, Tampa rallied for four runs, with C Jesus Rodriguez delivering the game-winning hit. His line drive base hit to right field sent the home crowd into a frenzy as 3B Beau Brewer crossed for the winning run and the celebration started.
RHP Hayden Merda (6.0IP, 5H, R, 5K) kept the Tortugas under wraps during his masterful six-inning performance. Merda used a five-pitch mix to keep the Tortugas guessing at the plate. He averaged an 11 MPH difference between his sinker and slider, which resulted in five strikeouts on the night. Despite the lack of run support, Merda keeping the Tortuga bats silent was a key factor in the comeback victory.
Victor Acosta wasted no time, starting the night with a 102 MPH double down the right-field line. Then chaos ensued. Merda launched a pickoff attempt over 2B Brenny Escanio's head. Acosta moved up to third on the wild throw and tested his luck trying to make it home, but the Tarpons pulled off a relay that started with CF Anthony Hall and ended with Rodriguez to nab Acosta at the plate.
Sal Stewart opened the fourth inning by lining a 104 MPH double down the left-field line. He advanced to third on a groundout and crossed the plate for the game's first run on a SAC-fly from Yassel Pino.
Tampa's turning point came in the eighth inning. The frustrations boiled over after Hall bounced into a double play, where it appeared Daytona's first baseman's foot was not on the bag. Manager Rachel Balkovec got ejected for the first time this season after arguing with field umpire Isabella Robb, and that was all Tampa needed to see to ignite their rally.
These rallies seem to be a thing now for the Tarpons. After giving up two runs in the top of the ninth, DH Omar Martinez walked, LF Daury Arias singled, and RF Tayler Aguilar walked. 1B Jake Palmer brought in Tampa's first run of the night on a fielder's choice. Brewer pulled the Tarpons to within one when he planted a single into shallow right field. For a few seconds, it seemed as if SS Jared Serna would be the hero. He crushed a ball to deep left field that curved just foul of the pole. Serna did not like the foul call, and he slammed his bat in frustration. Serna ended up striking out, and after a walk to Escanio, Rodriguez came up to save the day. With two outs and the game hanging in the balance, Rodriguez lined the game-winning hit to right field. The Tampa dugout exploded with joy as they mobbed Rodriguez in between first and second base. The Gatorade was flying and the fans were cheering as the Tarpons celebrated an exhilarating come-from-behind victory.
The fireworks don't stop there, though. RHP Sean Hermann will toe the slab tomorrow for the Fourth of July Weekend Kickoff, with first pitch set for 6:30 p.m. at GMS Field.
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 Tampa Tarpons' Jesus Rodriguez at bat |
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