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Harman, Threshers one win from title

Doubles in go-ahead run in 11th for commanding 2-0 lead
September 10, 2007
Brad Harman ripped a go-ahead RBI double in the 11th inning Sunday as the Clearwater Threshers topped the Brevard County Manatees, 6-4, in Game 2 of the Florida State League Championship Series.

Matt Thayer ripped a leadoff single in the 11th and moved to second on P.J. Antoniato's sacrifice bunt. Brian Burgamy walked before Harman plated Thayer with a double and Jason Donald capped the inning with an RBI single.

"I was looking to get a pitch I could handle and got a fastball inside that I was able to get around on," said Harman. "It was an awesome game. We've been having a lot of fun and everyone was pumped to get this win tonight."

Harman went 3-for-6 and tied the game in the seventh with a two-out RBI single. Clay Harris, who went 3-for-5, ripped an RBI double and Antoniato smacked a run-scoring single earlier in the frame for the Threshers, who are one win away from their first FSL championship since 1993.

"We're really enjoying this run we're on," said Harman. "We had a great run in the second half of the season and this would really be something to remember if we could win it."

Will Savage (1-0) picked up the win with four innings of hitless relief, striking out three and walking one. Clearwater starter Andrew Cruse allowed four runs on four hits and three walks while striking out a career-high 10 over seven frames.

Travis Wendte (0-1) surrendered two runs on three hits and two walks in the 11th. Manatees starter David Welch yielded an unearned run on five hits and three walks while fanning four over 5 2/3 frames.

Cole Gillespie delivered a three-run double in the third and Mike Bell belted a solo homer, his first of the playoffs, in the sixth for Brevard County.

Steve Conley is a contributor to MLB.com.