Lakeland 12, at Tampa 7

LAKELAND, Fla. (Interstat) — The Lakeland Flying Tigers’ offense erupted for a six-run third inning, overpowering the Tampa Tarpons 12-7 in a season-opening Florida State League contest Friday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field. A crowd of 1,362 watched as Lakeland pounded out 10 hits and capitalized on 13 walks issued by Tampa pitching, building an insurmountable early lead in a game that lasted 3 hours, 27 minutes. The Flying Tigers struck immediately against Tampa starter and losing pitcher Justin West. Jesus Pinto led off the game with a single and later scored on Carson Rucker’s double. Rucker came home… Read more...