FSL1 Tampa Tarpons

Wagner Hits Grand Slam in 7-3 Win

Published on April 25, 2018 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Tampa Tarpons News Release


BRADENTON, Fla. - Brandon Wagner hit a grand slam in the fourth and the bullpen fired five shutout innings as the Tampa Tarpons (11-9) completed a three-game sweep in Bradenton with a 7-3 win over the Marauders (11-9) on Wednesday night at LECOM Park.

RHP Luis Escobar started for the Marauders and struggled with his command. The Tarpons took advantage in the third. Estevan Florial got a 3-0 count and later reached on a fielder's choice. A single by Adam Lind put two on with two out. Escobar then walked Isiah Gilliam on five pitches, loading the bases. Wagner then crushed a 3-1 pitch over the wall in right-center.

Tampa starter Freicer Perez also battle, needing 44 pitches to get through the first two scoreless innings. Bradenton managed to break through in the third when Tyler Gaffney singled and scored on a double by Adrian Valerio. Later in the frame, Alfredo Reyes hit a two-out single to score Valerio, cutting the lead in half.

The Tarpons got those two runs back off Escobar in the fourth. Francisco Diaz and Hoy Jun Park both walked and Thairo Estrada followed with a single, scoring Diaz. Park then crossed the plate on a groundout by Florial.

Escobar (L, 0-1) allowed a season-high six earned runs on five hits in four innings, walking five while striking out three. The right-hander threw just 41 of 81 pitches for strikes.

Bradenton scored a run in the fourth when Casey Hughston walked and later scored on a groundout by Gaffney, cutting the lead to 6-3.

Perez allowed three earned runs on four hits in four innings, walking three while striking out three. The righty threw 54 of 87 pitches for strikes.

Tampa added an insurance run off LHP Ronny Agustin in the ninth when Park and Florial walked and Alexander Palma lined a two-out, RBI single into right.

LHP Justin Kamplain (W, 1-0) faced one batter over the minimum while yielding a hit and a walk in three innings, striking out three. LHP Phillip Diehl (SV, 1) retired six of seven batters faced, walking one while striking out three in the eighth and ninth.

RHP Bo Schultz worked a scoreless fifth and RHP Michael Wallace retired all nine batters he faced in three innings for Bradenton.

Lind (1-for-3, R) played in his second game with Tampa and was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the seventh. Estrada (2-for-5, RBI) had the lone multi-hit game for Tampa. Wagner (1-for-2, GS, 2BB, 4RBI, R) hit his sixth home run and tied Gilliam for the team lead in RBI with 14.

Up next, the Tarpons return to George M. Steinbrenner Field for a seven-game home stand, beginning with a four-game series against he Charlotte Stone Crabs. RHP Jonathan Loaisiga (2-0, 1.20) will start the opener on Friday night at 6:30 against RHP Mikey York (2-1, 2.93). Live play-by-play audio will be available on the Tarpons Radio Network.

On "Thirsty Fish Friday," fans can enjoy seafood specials all night long, including: $7 popcorn shrimp combo, $8 buffalo popcorn shrimp combo and $9 beer battered fish. Fans can also enjoy $3 16oz. draft Budweiser/Bud Light, $1 small fountain drinks and 1/2 price wine from 6pm-8pm.

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Florida State League Stories from April 25, 2018


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