Martin-Grudzielanek Homers Again, Tarpons Even Series

TAMPA, Fla. – Friday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field saw a tightly contested game between the Tampa Tarpons (21-22) and the Clearwater Threshers (25-18), with the Tarpons pulling out a narrow 5-4 victory to even the series.

Tampa struck first in the bottom of the second inning when Luis Durango hustled out a fielder’s choice, allowing Hans Montero to cross the plate for an early 1-0 lead.

Clearwater answered immediately in the top of the third, using an RBI groundout and an RBI double to move in front, 2-1.

The Tarpons regained the upper hand in the bottom half of the inning. Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek came home on a wild pitch to tie the game before Willy Montero launched a solo homer over the center field wall to put Tampa back on top, 3-2.

The seesaw battle continued in the fourth inning when the Threshers tied the game once again with a solo home run. Tampa quickly reclaimed the lead in the bottom half after Jackson Lovich lifted a sacrifice fly to center field, bringing Durango home to make it 4-3.

Mac Heuer made the start for Tampa, going 4.2 innings while allowing three runs on four hits and three walks, striking out four.

The score remained idle until the sixth inning, when Martin-Grudzielanek delivered a key insurance run with a solo shot to right-center field. The homer marked his second consecutive game going deep and extended the Tarpons’ advantage to 5-3.

Clearwater trimmed the deficit to one in the eighth on a sacrifice fly, but Tampa’s bullpen held firm down the stretch.

Parker Seay took over in the ninth inning with three left-handed hitters due up and shut the door to secure the 5-4 win for the Tarpons.

Tampa and Clearwater continue the series Saturday night on Star Wars Night at George M. Steinbrenner Field, with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in a galaxy far, far away.