TARPONS, FLYING TIGERS SET FOR SERIES FINALE IN LAKELAND

LAKELAND, Fla. (Interstat) — The surging Lakeland Flying Tigers will look to complete a series sweep and extend their division lead when they host the struggling Tampa Tarpons in the finale of a three-game set Thursday at Joker Marchant Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. under cloudy skies with a temperature near 76 degrees.

The Flying Tigers (12-5) have dominated the early-season series, winning the first two games this week by scores of 6-2 and 6-0. Overall, Lakeland has won all five meetings against Tampa (5-12) in 2026, outscoring the Tarpons 50-19.

A marquee pitching rematch is on tap. Tampa will send right-hander Allen Facundo to the mound, looking for a repeat of his brilliant performance just one day prior. On Wednesday, Facundo tossed five shutout innings, allowing four hits and striking out eight, but received no run support in a 6-0 loss.

Facundo has been a bright spot for Tampa, posting a 0.69 ERA with 25 strikeouts over 15 innings in his last three starts.

He will be opposed by Lakeland’s Ben Jacobs, who earned the win in that same game Wednesday. Jacobs threw five scoreless innings, surrendering only two hits. The right-hander has been strong against Tampa this year, also earning a win on April 3, and owns a 1.29 ERA in 14 innings versus the Tarpons.

The Flying Tigers’ pitching staff has stifled Tampa’s offense, holding it to two runs total in the series so far. Lakeland’s bullpen has been particularly effective, with relievers Luke Hoskins and Donye Evans combining for 3 1/3 perfect innings Wednesday.

Tampa, mired in a four-game skid, has lost 10 of its last 12. The Tarpons’ offense mustered only five hits in the last two games combined.

According to Interstat, the Flying Tigers are projected as strong favorites with a 67.1% probability to win. The game simulator predicts a 5-3 Lakeland victory.

Following Thursday’s game, the teams will meet again for three more games in Lakeland starting Friday.