Climie’s Career Night Seals Threshers’ Second Straight Win

WP: Sean Youngerman (3-7, 5.23)

LP: Michael Massey (0-1, 10.80)

BOX SCORE

LAKELAND, FL – A four-run sixth inning, buoyed by a three-run homer by Cade Climie, helped the Clearwater Threshers (69-53, 29-27) take their second straight win over the Lakeland Flying Tigers (60-61, 29-27) with an 8-6 victory on Friday night at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. The Threshers look to make it three straight road wins when they return for a Saturday showdown with the Flying Tigers.

After a scoreless first inning, Jonathan Hogart led off the top of the second with a home run to left field off Lakeland starter Michael Massey to open the scoring. Macon Winslow followed with a walk, and after Lane Haworth walked, Winslow advanced to third on a double play. After Lakeland switched pitchers, Climie greeted the new Flying Tigers’ reliever with an RBI single to left, doubling the Threshers’ advantage.

Lakeland cut the lead in half with a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth inning. The Threshers' response came in the top of the sixth inning, starting with an infield hit by Matthew Ferrara on the first pitch of the frame. Hogart was then hit by a pitch and advanced to third on an RBI double by Winslow, scoring Ferrara from second to cut the deficit to two. With two outs and two runners on base, Climie crushed a 2-1 pitch out to left field for a three-run blast, extending the lead to five runs.

The Flying Tigers responded with a run in the bottom of the sixth, cutting the deficit to four runs. They added two more runs to cut the deficit in half, making it 6-4 Threshers after seven innings. Winslow doubled to left on the first pitch of the top of the seventh inning, moving to third on a single by Haworth. Matt Quintanar followed with a walk to load the bases before Climie singled in two to double the Threshers’ lead. Lakeland responded with two runs in the ninth, but James Tallon struck out the final batter to seal an 8-6 victory.

Sean Youngerman (3-7) tossed 5.0 innings of one-run ball with one walk and four hits allowed and four strikeouts to earn the win. Cal Higgins surrendered one run on one hit with two walks and two strikeouts in 1.0 inning. Brendan Sweeney allowed two runs on three hits with one walk and one strikeout. Elias Holbert walked one batter in 1.0 scoreless and hitless innings. James Tallon finished the ninth with two runs allowed on three hits, walking one and striking out one in the final inning.

Six of Hogart’s 17 home runs this season have led off an inning in 2026...Higgins and Sweeney made their professional debuts in the sixth and seventh innings...Youngerman completed his fourth professional start in 5.0 innings or more...Climie hit his first career home run in the sixth...Climie’s six RBIs are the most by a Thresher since May of 2024...The Threshers’ win on Friday knocked Lakeland out of the playoffs...Clearwater will play the Tampa Tarpons in the first round of the FSL playoffs...The Threshers will continue a six-game road series against the Lakeland Flying Tigers on Saturday, August 29...First pitch on Saturday evening will take place at 6:00 pm...You can purchase Threshers tickets at ThreshersBaseball.com/tickets or by calling 727-467-4457…The BayCare Ballpark Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 10 am – 5 pm...The box office will be open on Saturdays from 10 am - 3 pm...Visit our website at threshersbaseball.com for information on tickets and promotions for the Threshers season.