Boudreau Goes Seven Strong, Tarpons Clinch Series Victory

TAMPA, Fla. — Behind a strong outing from Tyler Boudreau, the Tampa Tarpons (29-27) secured a series victory over the Palm Beach Cardinals (30-26) with a 4-3 win Saturday night.

Boudreau turned in his best start of the season, tossing a career-high seven innings to earn the victory. The right-hander allowed three runs while striking out seven and recording his first seven-inning quality start.

Tampa broke through in the second inning after the Cardinals issued three walks to load the bases. Ediel Rivera was hit by a pitch to force home the game's first run, and John Cristino followed with a fielder's choice that plated another, giving the Tarpons an early 2-0 lead.

The score remained unchanged until the fifth, when Hans Montero delivered a two-run double down the right-field line to extend Tampa's advantage to 4-0.

Palm Beach began its comeback attempt in the sixth, scoring on an RBI single before adding another run on a steal of home. The Cardinals pulled within one in the seventh when Brayden Smith launched a solo homer, trimming the deficit to 4-3.

Pedro Rodriguez handled the final inning, retiring the side in order in the ninth to record his first save of the season and seal the victory.

The Tarpons return to action Sunday afternoon when they wrap up the six-game set against the Cardinals. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.