Rally Falls Short, Clearwater Edges Palm Beach 5-4

JUPITER, FL- The Clearwater Threshers were able to complete the four game sweep of the Palm Beach Cardinals Wednesday night at Roger Dean Stadium.

At first glance, the game seemed to be a one-sided affair as the Threshers got to Cards SP Travis Miller (0-5) early. They scored three runs in the top of the first on a single, a pair of doubles and a sac-fly.

Palm Beach would chip away at the 3-0 lead slowly but surely, scoring runs in the 2nd and 5th innings bringing them within one. Clearwater managed to extend their 3-2 lead in the 7th when they strung together back-to-back doubles, a single and capitalized on a throwing error by Cards' catcher Juan Castillo.

Down 2-0 heading into the bottom of the 8th, Palm Beach made it interesting as Matt Williams led off with a line-drive single into left field. Next batter Ronny Gil followed up with a 5 pitch walk and Nick Longmire reached on an error by Threshers first baseman Chris Serritella, knocking in Matt Williams and advancing Gil to third. With one out, Stephen Piscotty hit into a fielder's choice, resulting in Gil crossing the plate and the lead cut to 5-4.

However, that would be the last run the Cardinals scored as Thresher's closer Luis Garcia managed to shut the door, notching his third save of the season.

Heading into the matchup, Clearwater led the FSL in both double plays turned and doubles hit. Without flaw, the Threshers played precisely how their stat sheet portrayed them, collecting five doubles and turning four double plays.

Offensively for the Cards, Jonathan Rodriguez (2-4, 2B, R), Anthony Garcia (2-4, 2B), and Matt Williams (2-3, R) all had multi-hit nights.

Palm Beach will hit the road as they travel north on 95 to take on the St. Lucie Mets (21-11) in a three-game series. First game tomorrow, 6:30 at Tradition Field.

WP: Garner (3-0) LP: Miller (0-5) S: Garcia (3)