Tortugas Offense Bit By Threshers In Sweep

Clearwater, FL - The Daytona Tortugas were shutout for the third time in eight games, falling 1-0 to the Clearwater Threshers Thursday night at Bright House Field. Daytona's offense mustered five hits while leaving five men on base and going 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position. Daytona has lost seven consecutive road games.

Runs came at a premium, with both starters battling each other for the first six innings of the contest. Daytona's starter RHP Tejay Antone (1-1) was the tough luck loser, allowing two hits and an unearned run in six solid innings, while walking two and tying a season-high with five strikeouts. Clearwater's RHP Rafi Casimiro (3-0) extended his scoreless innings streak to 16 innings by allowing just three hits, two walks, and striking out six Tortugas for the win. 

The game's lone run came across in the sixth on a Kyle Martin two out RBI single to left field, scoring Carlos Tocci, who reached on a fielder's choice and moved into scoring position on a Ty Washington throwing error. 

The Tortugas had plenty of opportunities to put runs on the board, but never cashed in. In the third, Garrett Boulware clubbed a one-out double but was left there. In the sixth, the Tortugas had bases loaded before a Taylor Sparks groundout to the pitcher ended the threat. In the eighth, Jonathan Reynoso poked a single to left with one out, advanced to second on a passed ball, and reached third with two outs, before being left on the bag with another groundout to the pitcher, nullifying the rally.

Daytona now has been swept for the second time this season, scoring just five runs in the three games against the Threshers. 

The Tortugas begin a three-game set with the Tampa Yankees starting Friday at George M. Steinbrenner Field. RHP Jake Paulson (0-2, 9.31 ERA) will be on the mound for Daytona to face RHP Vincente Campos (1-1, 5.28 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 PM, with the Chili's pre-game show starting at 6:50 PM on AM 1230 and AM 1490 WSBB.

Notes: Daytona is now 0-8 when trailing after six innings and 0-10 when trailing after the eighth inning…With Antone's start of allowing one run, it now marks five starts by Tortugas pitchers that have resulted in a no-decision or loss while allowing one run or less…It's Daytona's longest road losing streak since dropping nine straight from 6/15-6/27 last season, including three in Clearwater…Thursday was the first time Daytona has lost a game without allowing an earned run since falling 5-2 against Brevard County on June 3, 2015…Daytona was shutout 11 times last year, but never three times in fewer than a 12 game span.