Threshers Carry Early Runs to Series Finale Win

Clearwater, Fla. — On a Sunday afternoon in Clearwater that saw a nearly two-hour rain delay break up the game, the Marauders (21-18) were held to just one hit across nine innings as they fell in the series finale 4-2 against the Florida State League West Division-leading Threshers.

Derek Diamond started for Bradenton and tossed 2.2 innings, giving up four runs and taking the loss to drop his record to 2-3 on the season. The bullpen that took Bradenton the rest of the day surrendered just three hits in the final five innings defensively and hung zeros in every frame.

Clearwater got their first tally from a solo home run off the bat of Chad Castillo in the second inning. The Threshers posted a three spot in the third before the inning was paused with two outs, and a nearly two-hour rain delay ensued.

In the top of the fourth, Jesus Castillo led off with a walk for Bradenton to extend his on-base streak to 17 games. With one out and Castillo standing on second, Rodolfo Nolasco hit a bomb to left field to bring in a pair of runs to cut the deficit to two. This was the only hit the Marauders would have across nine innings at the plate.

Clearwater pitching was dominant from start to finish, striking out 17 Marauders hitters. Dan Wilkinson got the win after throwing a perfect fifth and sixth inning, striking out five of the six men he faced.

Clearwater cruised to the 4-2 win on Sunday, taking the series five games to one. The Marauders have a 2-7 record this season against Clearwater and currently sit in fourth place in the division, eight games off the lead.

Bradenton will return home to LECOM Park on Tuesday evening to take on the FSL East Division-leading Jupiter Hammerheads.