Hammerheads avoid no-hitter in game four against Threshers

The Hammerheads continued a tough losing streak in Sunday's afternoon game against the Threshers, who swept Jupiter with their 5-0 win.
Taylor Braley started for the Hammerheads. The right-hander had a difficult time striking out batters in his 5.2 innings on the mound, only recording two K on the day. Braley allowed eight hits and five runs, only three of which were earned. His ERA took a slight hit, raising from 2.97 to 3.20, and this start lowered his record to 0-3.  
Four relievers held off the Threshers, allowing just three hits between them and no runs beyond those credited to Braley.
Although pitching wasn't perfect, the Hammerheads really struggled at the plate. Clearwater pitcher Colton Eastman nearly threw a no-hitter start until Nick Fortes hit a double in the seventh.
Fortes is one of the bright spots in the Hammerheads offense as of late. The catcher has batted 0.357 with a 0.438 OBP and 1.045 OPS since coming back from the IL and this is the third game in a row he's hit a double.
Michael Donadio recorded the only other hit of the game, a single in the eighth. In total, Hammerheads batters struck out fourteen times.
The Hammerheads have now lost nine in a row. They'll take Memorial Day off before playing a three-game series at St. Lucie.