Four-Run Fourth Spurs Mussels to 6-2 Victory

*FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 13, 2022) – *The Mighty Mussels struck for four runs in the bottom of the fourth Wednesday, taking control of a 6-2 victory over the Clearwater Threshers at Hammond Stadium.

In a 1-1 game in the bottom of the fourth, Mussels (46-32, 5-9) shortstop Noah Miller drew a leadoff walk. Kala’i Rosario then singled on a line drive to center field, moving Miller to third. Mikey Perez followed with a single to the left field wall, scoring Miller and Rosario to make the score 3-1 Fort Myers. Noah Cardenas then blasted a home run off the left field berm, plating two runs to make it 5-1 Mussels.

In the seventh inning, Luis Baez drew a leadoff walk before swiping second base from Clearwater (40-42, 5-12). Mussels catcher Alex Rodriguez then slashed a single over third base, allowing Baez to score to make the score 6-1. That was Rodriguez’ first career hit and RBI.

Mussels’ starter Jaylen Nowlin tossed four innings of one-run ball, striking out seven without walking a single batter. Relievers Juan Mendez (2-2) and Anthony Escobar both tossed two scoreless innings to nail down the win.

Fort Myers got the scoring going in the bottom of the first when Misael Urbina crushed a double down the third base line. Miller then lined a single to center field, scoring Urbina from second base to make the score 1-0 Mussels.

In the top of the second, Nicolas Torres reached base safely after a throwing error. He then advanced to second and third base on wild pitches. Erick Brito followed and beat out an infield single, allowing Torres to score and make the score 1-1.

In the top of the ninth, Jamari Baylor roped a double to the right-center field gap. He then reached third base on a wild pitch. Leandro Pineda followed with a fielder’s choice, allowing Baylor to score and cap the game at 6-2.

The Mussels will look to win their fourth in a row at 7 p.m. on Thursday. RHP Mike Paredes (4-2, 2.19) will start against Clearwater’s LHP Gabriel Cotto (2-1, 3.98). Coverage begins at 6:45 p.m. on the Mighty Mussels Baseball Network.