Happ handcuffs Manatees

James Happ scattered four hits over eight innings as visiting Clearwater topped Brevard County, 3-0, on Wednesday.

Happ (2-3) struck out 10 without issuing a walk as he lowered his ERA to 2.47. Nathan Johnson struck out one in a perfect ninth for his second save.

Clearwater (17-16) scored all its runs in the eighth. With one out, Tuffy Gosewisch lined a double to center field off reliever Dave Johnson (3-3). Brian Burgamy struck out, but Peeter Ramos beat out a ground ball for an infield hit and Michael Constanzo followed with another infield single to plate pinch-runner Matt Thayer for a 1-0 lead.

Left fielder Travis Ezi misplayed a fly ball by Branden Florence, allowing Ramos to score, and Costanzo came home on a wild pitch by Johnson.

Brevard County starter Steven Hammond went seven innings, allowing three hits, walking one and striking out six.

Charlie Fermaint's leadoff double in the bottom of the first was the only extra-base hit for the Manatees (17-15). Ezi sacrificed Fermaint, but Happ struck out Ryan Braun and retired Brendan Katin on a flyout. --Jeannine Rippa/MLB.com