2026 FSL Champions: Jupiter Hammerheads
On September 16, 2026, the Jupiter Hammerheads became the 2026 Florida State League (FSL) champions. They defeated the Tampa Tarpons 1–0 in Game 3 at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. The title was the team’s second in franchise history, following its 2023 championship. The FSL is a Single-A circuit within Minor League Baseball (MiLB), split into two divisions. Jupiter competes in the East Division as a Miami Marlins affiliate at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Florida.
Four teams qualified for the 2026 FSL playoffs: Jupiter, Daytona, Clearwater, and Tampa. After winning the East Division’s first-half title, Jupiter swept the Daytona Tortugas 2–0 in the East Division Series. This earned Jupiter its first championship series appearance since 2023. There, they met the West Division’s second-half winners, the Tampa Tarpons.
Game 1 was played on September 13 at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Jupiter won 9–1. Starters Jake Clemente and Justin West kept the game scoreless through five innings. Jupiter broke through for two runs in the seventh. Tampa’s Luis Escudero cut the lead to 2–1 with a solo homer. However, the Hammerheads erupted for seven runs in the ninth. RBI hits from Jacob Lombard, Eric Guevara, and Echedry Vargas powered the rally.
Game 2 shifted to Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on September 15. The Tarpons evened the series 4–1, forcing Game 3.
Game 3 on September 16 included three rain delays over nearly four hours. Manuel Genao started for Jupiter, while Tampa’s J.T. Etheridge pitched six scoreless innings. Jupiter reliever Elier Morillo followed with four scoreless frames. After the final delay, Josh Hogue walked against reliever Rafael Arias. Luis Leon pinch-ran for Hogue. Jake McCutcheon’s walk-off double scored Leon to clinch the 1–0 win and the title.
The Hammerheads won the series 2–1, claiming their second FSL title in four years.
FSL Social Media Coverage
Follow the Hammerheads’ championship celebration on their official social media.
Visit the Florida Pro Baseball Jupiter Hammerheads page for more information.
Official Hammerheads Site