Threshers take series finale, Tarpons lose 8-2
TAMPA, Fla. - The Clearwater Threshers (22-11) used a four-run first inning to jump out front early and take down the Tampa Tarpons (10-23) Sunday afternoon at GMS Field. Tampa outhit Clearwater, but yet again could not capitalize with men on base. The Tarpons left eight on base while going
TAMPA, Fla. - The Clearwater Threshers (22-11) used a four-run first inning to jump out front early and take down the Tampa Tarpons (10-23) Sunday afternoon at GMS Field. Tampa outhit Clearwater, but yet again could not capitalize with men on base. The Tarpons left eight on base while going 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position.
Clearwater’s offense didn’t skip a beat, picking up right where they left off on Saturday. Pierce Bennett led off the game with a walk before Trent Farquhar and Luis Caicuto both doubled to give the Threshers a two-run lead. A groundout moved Caicuto to third, Jordan Viars walked, and Bryson Ware was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Raylin Herdia brought in the third run of the frame with a SAC-fly to center. RHP Ryan Harvey walked his third batter of the frame to reload the bases, and the Tarpons called on RHP Ocean Gabonia to work out of the jam. The first pitch Gabonia threw went to the backstop, allowing Viars to score, giving Clearwater a four-run first inning lead.
SS George Lombard Jr. opened the home half of the first with a double to right center field. He stole his tenth bag of the season to get within ninety feet of scoring. With two away, CF Jackson Castillo drove him in with an RBI single to center field.
With one away in the third, Lombard Jr. worked the count full and was punched out on an inside fastball. Lombard Jr. successfully challenged the call to draw a walk. 2B Roderick Arias lined a 106.8 MPH single to left field, which moved Lombard Jr. to third base. 1B Dylan Jasso drew Tampa closer, hitting a SAC-fly to center for his FSL-leading 23rd RBI of the season.
Heredia opened the fourth with a walk, and Nikau Pouaka-Grego followed up the free pass with a single. Both runners advanced and then came in to score on a single off the bat of Bennett.
Clearwater put the game out of reach in the seventh. Bennett walked and moved up ninety feet on a balk. Farquhar walked, and Caicuto singled to load the bases. Jared Thomas and Viars each drove in a run, extending Clearwater’s lead to six.
The Tarpons are off tomorrow and continue their homestand Tuesday against the Bradenton Marauders. RHP Gabriel Barbosa is projected to make the start with first pitch at 6:30 p.m. Bring your dogs and get select $2.00 concessions to celebrate Tail Waggin’ Tuesday at GMS Field.