Sean Hermann powers Tarpons past Flying Tigers, 6-1

April 8, 2023 – Florida State League (FSL) – Tampa Tarpons News Release

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tarpons (1-1) bounced back from an Opening Night loss against the Flying Tigers (1-1) with an offensive outburst, claiming a 6-1 victory at GMS Field. Tampa leaned on the Yankees’ 23rd-ranked prospect, RHP Sean Hermann (6.0IP, 3H, 4K) who toed the slab and tossed six scoreless innings. Hermann relied heavily on his sinker tonight, using it 47% of the time.

SS Benny Escanio got things started early for Tampa, leading off the home frame with a walk. With one gone, 3B Jared Serna struck a hard ground ball up the middle to put two on for Tampa. Following Serna, Rodriguez scorched a ball up the middle, but a diving play from Cristian Santana prevented a run from scoring, resulting in a fielder’s choice. With the Tarpons threatening, a wild pitch brought in the first run of the game, allowing Escanio to cross the plate.

The second inning was highlighted by spectacular defensive plays by the Tarpons. 2B Ronny Rojas made a beautiful play on the run to get the first out of the frame. The inning concluded with another web gem by Escanio, who fielded a chopper on the run to nab Sergio Tapia at first base.

LF Raimfer Salinas got the inning started with a hopper to short. Santana made a charging play and was helped out by his first baseman, Jenkins, who saved an error with a terrific scoop. With the lineup flipped back over, Escanio reached base for the second time, dunking a single over Santana’s head. Tampa was unable to add to the lead, leaving Escanio on first base.

Peyton Graham came out swinging to start the fourth inning. He hit a seeing-eye single right past a diving Serna at third base. The Flying Tigers should have learned their lesson in the first inning not to run on Rodriguez, but they tried again. Rodriguez hosed Graham at second base to catch his second runner of the game.

After throwing out his second runner in the top of the frame, Rodriguez legged out an infield single to open up the bottom half inning. After an ABS (Automatic Ball Strike) challenge that kept CF Nelson Medina at the plate, he looped a single to left field. Following a walk, the Tarpons got two runners in scoring position thanks to a passed ball. RF Felix Negueis worked a walk that set Tampa up with the bases loaded. Lakeland’s new arm, Erick Rodriguez, tried to escape the jam, but Rojas drew a four-pitch walk to give the Tarpons their second run of the night. Some productive hitting got the…