Seven-Run Eighth Completes Comeback Win

Threshers Scored Eight of Final Nine Runs in 8-2 Victory

Phillies #7 prospect Dante Nori connects on a base hit in a Threshers win over Fort Myers. (Nathan Ray)

By Josh Sperber

August 15, 2026

WP: Brian Walters (7-2, 4.32) LP: Nick McAuliffe (2-2, 3.86) BOX SCORE FORT MYERS, FL – Four different players collected multiple hits for the Clearwater Threshers (65-46, 25-20) as they came from behind with a seven-run eighth inning to seal an 8-2 win over the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (61-50,

WP: Brian Walters (7-2, 4.32)

LP: Nick McAuliffe (2-2, 3.86)

BOX SCORE

FORT MYERS, FL – Four different players collected multiple hits for the Clearwater Threshers (65-46, 25-20) as they came from behind with a seven-run eighth inning to seal an 8-2 win over the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (61-50, 24-22) on Saturday night at Hammond Stadium at Lee Health Sports Complex. The Threshers look to seal the sweep when they return for the series finale on Sunday afternoon.

A solo home run with two outs in the bottom of the first inning gave the Mighty Mussels the first lead of the game at 1-0. Will Vierling picked up the first hit for the Threshers with a one-out single in the third inning, advancing to second on a groundout. After the second out in the frame, Dante Nori singled to left-center field, plating Vierling from second to tie the game at one apiece.

Phillies outfield prospect Jonathan Hogart takes a swing during a win over the Mighty Mussels.Nathan Ray

The game remained tied until the top of the eighth inning, beginning with a leadoff walk to Macon Winslow. He advanced to third on a single by Matthew Ferrara and scored on a wild pitch by Nick McAuliffe, giving Clearwater their first lead of the night. The rally continued from there as Beltran walked before Ferrara scored on an RBI single by Will Vierling. The next batter, Jack Hopko, cleared the bases on a 3-2 count with a three-run home run to double the Threshers' lead to six runs. Victor Cardoza laid down a bunt single after the long ball, before a two-out, two-run home run by Jonathan Hogart capped off a seven-run frame with a new 8-1 Threshers lead.

The Mighty Mussels added one run in the eighth inning to cut the Threshers’ lead to six runs. After Clearwater’s bullpen left the bases loaded in the eighth, the final four batters were sent down in order, sealing the Threshers’ 8-2 victory.

Phillies eighth-rounder Brian Walters fires in a strike during a win for the Clearwater Threshers.Nathan Ray

Jacob Pruitt surrendered one run on one hit and one walk with two strikeouts in 2.0 innings of a no-decision. Matthew Fisher struck out seven over 4.0 shutout innings, allowing two hits and three walks. Brian Walters (7-2) allowed one run on one hit with three walks and two strikeouts in 1.2 innings to earn the win. Orlando Gonzalez retired all four batters he faced in 1.1 innings with one strikeout.

Nori has reached base in six straight games for the Threshers dating back to August 2025...Pruitt made the first start of his pro career on Saturday...Fisher came out of the bullpen for the first time as a pro and set a career high with seven strikeouts...Clearwater recorded six hits in the first seven innings before collecting six hits in the eighth inning...They have recorded a seven-run inning in each of the last two games...Vierling has five hits, four RBIs, and five runs scored in the last two games...The Threshers will conclude a six-game road series against the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels on Sunday, August 16...First pitch on Sunday afternoon will take place at 12:05 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.