DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The Clearwater Threshers took advantage of a two-error sixth by the Daytona Tortugas, plating all three of the visitor's runs on Saturday night in the 3-2 victory at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The Threshers stay 4.5 games behind the Dunedin Blue Jays for first place in the
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The Clearwater Threshers took advantage of a two-error sixth by the Daytona Tortugas, plating all three of the visitor's runs on Saturday night in the 3-2 victory at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The Threshers stay 4.5 games behind the Dunedin Blue Jays for first place in the Florida State League North with five games remaining in the first half.
Trailing 1-0, Simon Muzziotti started the fateful frame with an infield single, and moved up to third on Alec Bohm's single to right against Reiver Sanmartin (2-5). Jhailyn Ortiz hit a grounder to third, but Jonathan India misplayed the ball, allowing everyone to advance and tie the game at one.
Madison Stokes ripped a ground ball to the hot corner, but India once again could not make the play, and Bohm scored all the way from second to give Clearwater (34-28) the 2-1 advantage.
Nick Maton drew a free pass to load the bases and force Sanmartin from the game. Matt Vierling greeted Andy Cox with a sac fly to right, plating Ortiz for the insurance run.
Colton Eastman (3-2) allowed an unearned run in the bottom of the frame, but Daytona (32-30) could never complete the comeback. The Cal State Fullerton product allowed two runs - one earned - while scattering seven hits and striking out eight. The right-hander has collected at least eight strikeouts in each of his last three outings.
Kyle Arjona took over with a runner on and two outs in the sixth frame, and retired Hendrik Clementina to not allow further damage.
Grant Dyer (SV, 3) allowed the first two batters to reach in the ninth, but set down the next three men to lock down his third save in as many chances.
Clearwater goes for the sweep in the finale of the three-game set against Daytona at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Sunday night. RHP Alejandro Requena (4-3, 4.39) takes the slab for the Threshers against the Tortugas' RHP Ryan Lillie (2-4, 3.07). First pitch is scheduled for 5:35 p.m., with coverage beginning at 5:20 p.m. with Threshers Live! The Pre-Game Show on threshersbaseball.com.
