Lakeland Flying Tigers Sweep Tampa Tarpons with 13-6 Victory

Lakeland's offense continues to dominate, scoring 38 runs in the first three games of the season.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:08pm

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The Lakeland Flying Tigers completed a three-game sweep of the Tampa Tarpons with a 13-6 victory on Sunday. Lakeland's offense has been on a tear to start the season, scoring at least a dozen runs in each of the first three games. The Flying Tigers scored seven runs in the sixth inning to pull away from the Tarpons.

Why it matters

Lakeland's hot start to the season has been fueled by an explosive offense that has averaged 12.7 runs per game over the first three contests. The Flying Tigers' ability to put up big offensive numbers early in the year could be an early indicator of a successful season to come.

The details

Lakeland only scored in three innings, but they made them count. The Flying Tigers put up four runs in the fifth inning to tie the game at 4-4, then exploded for seven runs in the sixth to pull away. Zach MacDonald and Nolan McCarthy led the offensive charge, with MacDonald hitting a three-run homer in the sixth and McCarthy recording two doubles and three runs scored. Caleb Leys made his professional debut on the mound for Lakeland, going four innings and allowing four runs. Alistair Tanner and Andrew Pogue provided solid relief work to close out the game.

  • The Flying Tigers scored 38 runs over the first three games of their season.
  • Lakeland completed the three-game sweep of the Tampa Tarpons on Sunday.

The players

Zach MacDonald

Lakeland's center fielder who hit a three-run homer in the sixth inning.

Nolan McCarthy

Lakeland's second baseman who recorded two doubles and scored three runs.

Caleb Leys

Lakeland's starting pitcher who made his professional debut, going four innings and allowing four runs.

Alistair Tanner

Lakeland's relief pitcher who went 3 2/3 innings, allowing one earned run.

Andrew Pogue

Lakeland's closer who pitched the final 1 1/3 innings without allowing a run.

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What’s next

Lakeland will look to continue their hot start when they host the Daytona Tortugas on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. ET.

The takeaway

Lakeland's explosive offense has carried them to a 3-0 start, scoring 38 runs in the first three games of the season. If the Flying Tigers can maintain this level of production at the plate, they could be poised for a successful campaign in the minor leagues.