Mayea’s Go-Ahead Double Caps Regular Season With 4-3 Win

TAMPA, Fla – The Tampa Tarpons (43-20) defeated the Dunedin Blue Jays (32-31) in the regular season finale at George M. Steinbrenner Field, 4-3.

The Tarpons got on the board in the bottom of the first when Paul Contreras sent a 102.8 mph laser over the left field wall, giving Tampa an early 1-0 advantage.

Dunedin answered immediately, as a leadoff home run in the top of the second inning evened the score at 1-1.

Strong pitching kept the game tied heading into the sixth. Anthony Mena got the start for Tampa and tossed 3.2 innings, allowing just one run. Jason Krieger followed with 1.1 scoreless innings in his Tarpons debut.

The Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the sixth with a two-run homer. Yostin Peña answered quickly with a long ball of his own, bringing Tampa within one.

The Tarpons surged out in front in the seventh. Anthony Potestio launched his third home run of the week to tie the game. Luis Escudero followed with a single and stole second before Brando Mayea drove him home with an RBI double, making it 4-3 in favor of Tampa.

Pedro Rodriguez was excellent in relief, retiring all five batters he faced while striking out four. Jordarlin Mendoza recorded the save to close out the regular season with a 4-3 victory.

Tampa finishes the regular season with a 78-51 overall record, the best mark in the Florida State League and the team’s best since 2017.

The Tarpons will host the Clearwater Threshers in Game One of the FSL West Division Series on Tuesday, September 8, at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.