Back and Forth Contest Ends in Threshers Loss

Jimenez Ties Game with Homer but Threshers Fall by One Run

Phillies outfield prospect Manolfi Jimenez sends a throw in from right field in a game for the Clearwater Threshers. (Tori Heck)

By Josh Sperber

May 22, 2026

WP: Jose M. Rodriguez (1-0, 2.18) LP: Brian Walters (3-2, 4.71) SV: Parker Seay (2) BOX SCORE TAMPA, FL – The Clearwater Threshers (25-18) erased multiple deficits early in the game but couldn’t hang on in a 5-4 loss to the Tampa Tarpons (21-22) on Friday night at George M.

WP: Jose M. Rodriguez (1-0, 2.18)

LP: Brian Walters (3-2, 4.71)

SV: Parker Seay (2)

BOX SCORE

TAMPA, FL – The Clearwater Threshers (25-18) erased multiple deficits early in the game but couldn’t hang on in a 5-4 loss to the Tampa Tarpons (21-22) on Friday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The Threshers look to retake the series lead when they return for a Saturday night showdown in Tampa.

The Tarpons plated the first run in the bottom of the second inning, scoring on a bases-loaded fielder’s choice to make it 1-0 after two. The Threshers responded with a leadoff single by Tyler Pettorini to start the third. Pettorini immediately stole second and, after Nathan Humphreys walked, he moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Juan Villavicencio. A groundout by Alirio Ferrebus tied the game at one, scoring Pettorini from third to even the score. The next batter, Nolan Beltran, gave the Threshers their first lead of the game with a two-out double, plating Humphreys from second and giving the Threshers a one-run advantage.

Phillies infield prospect Juan Villavicencio takes a swing during a road game for the Clearwater Threshers.Nathan Ray

Tampa took the lead back with two runs in the bottom of the third to take a one-run advantage. With two outs in the top of the fourth inning, Manolfi Jimenez belted the first pitch he saw in the frame over the right field wall for a game-tying solo home run. The run scoring continued as the Tarpons took the lead back in the bottom of the fourth with a sacrifice fly. Tampa doubled its lead with a leadoff home run in the bottom of the seventh.

Villavicencio led off the eighth with a triple off Tarpons reliever Brian Arias. Ferrebus sent the next pitch to deep left field for a sacrifice fly that cut the deficit to one run. The Threshers were unable to put a baserunner on in the ninth and dropped their second game in a row with a 5-4 loss to the Tampa Tarpons.

Cody Bowker surrendered three runs (two earned) on three hits with three walks and five strikeouts in 3.0 innings of a no-decision. Brian Walters (3-2) allowed one run on one hit with one walk and four strikeouts in 2.0 innings of work, but took the loss. Richie Cortese walked one batter without allowing a run before leaving the game early without recording an out. Tegan Cain came in and gave up one run on two hits with one strikeout in 2.0 innings. Gabe Craig pitched a scoreless eighth inning without allowing a walk or a hit.

Ferrebus extended his on-base streak to 19 consecutive games...He is averaging over one RBI per game during that span...Bowker struck out five or more batters in all but two of his first nine professional pitching appearances...Jimenez’s two home runs have either tied the game or given the Threshers the lead...Villavicencio is now tied with Ferrara for 2nd in the FSL with four triples The Threshers continue a six-game road series against the Tampa Tarpons on Saturday, May 23...First pitch on Saturday evening will take place at 6:30 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.