Tigers' Single-A affiliate sweeps through playoffs to first title since 2012

René Rivera’s inaugural season as Single-A Lakeland's manager was one to remember.

The former 13-year big league backstop -- who took home Florida State League Manager of the Year honors earlier in the day -- completed a dominant first season at the helm by leading the Flying Tigers to a postseason sweep en route to its first title since 2012.

The decisive Game 2 victory, a 9-2 triumph over Daytona on Thursday at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, was delayed due to weather, but that didn't faze Lakeland's bats.

After starting 40 minutes late, the Flying Tigers pounced in the first inning. Each of Lakeland’s first three batters -- Nick Dumesnil, Jesus Pinto and Chris Meyers -- reached base against Reds right-hander Ovis Portes, prompting Daytona to dip into its bullpen before recording a single out in the contest. The next batter, Ricardo Hurtado, grounded a ball to the left side, plating two after a throwing error by Daytona second baseman Rafhlmil Torres.

The game was tied 2-2 after two frames, and when Stephen Hrustich singled a run in two innings later, the Flying Tigers never looked back, plating seven more runs en route to the crown.

Hurtado, who also delivered an RBI double in the eighth, finished the playoffs as the club’s offensive leader. The 22-year-old tallied eight hits, four RBIs and logged a 1.173 OPS over four postseason games.

On the mound, starter Gabriel Reyes twirled 4 1/3 strong innings to open the contest. The 22-year-old southpaw, who finished the regular season with a 2.40 ERA over 19 appearances (16 starts), allowed just one earned run while striking out four. Right-handers Pedro Garcia and Logan Berrier slammed the door, combining for 4 2/3 scoreless frames.

West Michigan made waves in the Minors this season after tying the best winning percentage since 1995. Lakeland may not have matched their High-A counterpart’s historic pace, but their 2025 campaign was notable in its own right.

The Flying Tigers took home the West Division first-half title with a league-leading 38 wins and delivered an encore performance in the second half, winning 37 games to take the division title once again.

One of the standout players of the season was Cristian Santana. The 21-year-old shortstop hit 15 homers, the third-most in Single-A, including a stretch in June in which he notched seven big flies over a 10-game span.

Additionally, outfielder Jackson Strong and right-hander Lucas Elissalt (DET No. 25) were named Florida State League All-Stars. The pair has since been promoted to High-A West Michigan, but both players were key contributors all season.

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After spending two years as the Frederick Keys' manager in the MLB Draft League and one as Lakeland’s bench coach, Rivera can now say he earned his first championship in just one season as a Minor League skipper.