Pitching Powers Threshers to Second Straight Win 

WP: Casey Steward (1-1, 0.79)

LP: Carson Pierce (0-1, 3.86)

SV: Chase Hopewell (1)

DUNEDIN, FL – A pitcher’s duel ended in favor of the Clearwater Threshers (9-5), who held the Dunedin Blue Jays (9-5) to four hits in a 2-0 shutout win on Saturday night at TD Ballpark. The Threshers look to secure their third-straight series win on Sunday afternoon in Dunedin.

Ricardo Rosario hit a one-out single off Blue Jays pitcher Carson Pierce in the top of the third inning. He was replaced on first after Trent Farquhar grounded into a fielder’s choice. Farquhar stole second before Keaton Anthony reached on a base hit, and Farquhar scored from third on a wild pitch to give the Threshers a 1-0 lead.

Bryson Ware got the ball rolling in the next inning with a one-out double and advanced to third on a wild pitch after Avery Owusu-Asiedu drew a walk. Ball four to AJ Shaver went behind Blue Jays catcher Maykel Miñoso, allowing Ware to score from third and double the Threshers lead to 2-0.

Pitching dominated the game, with both teams combining for ten hits in the Threshers shutout, and the defense turned three double plays in a 2-0 win over the Blue Jays.

Casey Steward (1-1) tossed 5.1 shutout innings, allowing three hits and one walk while striking out three to earn the win. Drew Garrett struck out four in 2.2 scoreless and hitless innings. Chase Hopewell retired all three batters he faced to earn the save in the ninth.

Steward became the first Threshers starter to pitch more than 5.0 innings in a game this season...He earned his first career win in the victory...Hopewell earned his first career save in his first save chance...Clearwater’s staff held the Blue Jays to a 0-6 mark with runners in scoring position...Neither reliever allowed a run for the Threshers...Ware’s double in the fourth was his first extra-base hit of the season...Rosario recorded his first multi-hit game of the season...The Threshers continue a six-game road series against the Dunedin Blue Jays on Sunday, April 21st with a 12:00 PM first pitch...You can purchase tickets for the Threshers season at ThreshersBaseball.com/tickets or by calling 727-467-4457…The Box Office at BayCare Ballpark is also open daily to purchase Threshers tickets…The hours are 10 AM-5 PM Monday through Friday and 10 AM-3 PM on Saturdays.