Leftwich Solid in 2-0 Defeat

Luke Leftwich turned in a solid performance for the Threshers on Wednesday, but Clearwater fell 2-0 to the Daytona Tortugas in game two of a three-game series at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

Second baseman Josh Tobias singled in his first High-A at-bat and finished 1-for-3 with a walk, while Leftwich (2-3) tossed six innings and surrendered just two runs on four hits while striking out seven for the Threshers (60-41).

The Tortugas (52-46) opened the scoring in the third inning when Angelo Gumbs drove in two with a two-out single to right. That was all the scoring Daytona needed.

Clearwater's offense was held at bay by Daytona starter Tejay Antone. Antone (10-6) matched Leftwich's six innings and seven strikeouts, but did not allow a run.

The Threshers best opportunity came in the eighth inning when Cleatwater put runners on second and third, but Daytona closer Jimmy Herget shut the door. The Florida State League leader in saves struck out Josh Tobias to end the inning.

Herget stayed in for the ninth to nail down his 17th save of the season.

The rubber match of the series is slated for Thursday at 7:05 p.m. Both starters have not yet been announced.