Lakeland Looks To Finish Off Clearwater in Game 2

The Lakeland Flying Tigers are back at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium tonight with a chance to clinch their best-of-three series against the Clearwater Threshers. After a 5–1 win in Game 1, the Flying Tigers can secure a spot in the Florida State League Finals with another victory.

Fans can catch the game on the Bally Sports Live app or listen via MiLB’s broadcast feed: MiLB Audio – Listen Live.

Game 1 Recap

Lakeland jumped ahead early when Ricardo Hurtado doubled and came home on an error in the second inning. In the fifth, Chris Meyers delivered a key two-run single to extend the lead to 3–0, and later RBI hits from Samuel Gil and Junior Tilien padded the cushion.

A rehabbing Chris Meyers bloops a single to shallow right to bring home two runs and make it a 3-0 Lakeland lead. pic.twitter.com/5RtLnoBeor

— Tigers ML Report (@tigersMLreport) September 9, 2025

Gabriel Reyes worked five innings, getting in and out of trouble as he allowed five hits, walking three and striking out six. He threw 93 pitches, 49 for strikes. From there, Pedro Garcia, Logan Berrier, and Ethan Sloan combined to close it out with just one run allowed.

Game 2 Preview: Stofel on the Hill

Right-hander Luke Stofel gets the start for Lakeland. Stofel is mainly a groundball pitcher, so the key for Stofel will be limiting walks and forcing Clearwater to put the ball in play. When he keeps his command sharp, he gives his defense a chance to make plays.

Clearwater will look to get more production from the top of its lineup, with Jack Barker and Raider Tello setting the table in Game 1. If Stofel can keep them off base, Lakeland will be in strong position to clinch at home.

Who would be next?

A win tonight would send Lakeland back to the Florida State League finals. They would get the winner of St. Lucie, a Mets affiliate or Daytona, a Reds affiliate as the Mets are up 1-0 in the series after a 4-2 win on Wednesday.  With the same lineup that produced in Game 1, solid defense, and Stofel on the mound, the Flying Tigers have an opportunity to ride their momentum into the championship round.