Leibrandt, Threshers Win Pitchers Duel 3-1
May 23, 2015 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Clearwater Threshers News Release
Brandon Leibrandt turned in another strong outing on Saturday, outdueling Alex Reyes and the Palm Beach Cardinals in a 3-1 win at Roger Dean Stadium.
Leibrandt (5-2) gave the Threshers six innings of one-run ball, permitting six hits while striking out five. The lefty did not issue a walk, and has not surrendered a base on balls in his last 16 innings.
Clearwater (21-22) gave him some early support, taking a quick lead on Cardinals hurler Alex Reyes with two runs in the opening frame.
JP Crawford and Andrew Pullin opened the game with back-to-back singles to set up men at the corners, and Andrew Knapp pulled a grounder to first that plated Crawford with the evening's first run. After a strikeout and a hit batter, Angelo Mora lifted a ground-rule double to the opposite field in left to bring across Pullin and make it 2-0.
Palm Beach (21-22) got one back in the second, when Robelys Reyes lined a two-out RBI single to center to cut the Clearwater lead to 2-1.
With Leibrandt dealing, the Threshers gave him a little more cushion in the sixth.
Knapp and Dylan Cozens each singled off Reyes to start the frame with runners at first and third. Reyes managed to pick Cozens off first, but Aaron Brown sent a single to center that allowed Knapp to cross the plate, making it 3-1 Threshers.
Reyes (1-4) lasted 5.2 innings, and was charged with three runs on six hits and a pair of walks. The 20-year old entered the day ranked sixth in the league in ERA.
Edubray Ramos, Cody Forsythe, and Ulises Joaquin combined to hold the Cardinals hitless the rest of the way. Joaquin permitted a leadoff walk in the ninth, but induced a popout and got Collin Radack to ground into a double play to end the game, as Joaquin earned his fourth save.
The Threshers will have a chance to take the series on Sunday, with Colin Kleven (3-2) on the hill against Rob Kaminsky (3-2). First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m.
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Florida State League Stories from May 23, 2015
- Sixth Inning Propels 'Crabs to 7-2 Win - Charlotte Stone Crabs
- Leibrandt, Threshers Win Pitchers Duel 3-1 - Clearwater Threshers
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