Big Inning Dooms Stewart's Start
Published on April 9, 2014 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Clearwater Threshers News Release
CLEARWATER, Fla.- The Clearwater Threshers dropped the second game of a three-game series Wednesday afternoon to the Tampa Yankees, 5-3 at Bright House Field.
Threshers' starting pitcher Ethan Stewart was looking to build off his success from his first start of the season when he pitched seven innings and did not surrender any runs. Things were looking good for Stewart through the first four innings as he extended his scoreless-inning streak to 11 to begin the season.
Things changed in the fifth when the Tampa Yankees (3-3) put up four runs (one earned) on Stewart.
The inning started with Yeicok Calderon flying out to center field. Jose Toussen followed with a single to centerfield and advanced to second when Claudio Custodio reached on an error by Casey Serna at second base, his second error of the season.
Jake Cave's fielder's choice put runners on the corners for the Yankees' Cito Culver.
Culver ripped a double down the third-base line that plated Toussen from third and tied the game at one.
Eric Jagielo put the Yankees ahead for good with a three-run homerun to right-center field, his third of the year.
Stewart (0-1) was replaced with Chris Burgess, who hit Peter O'Brien and got Dante Bichette Jr. to ground out to shortstop to end the four-run inning.
Clearwater's bullpen was solid to finish out the game, using a combination of Burgess, Mike Adams, Lino Martinez, and Colton Murray for the reamaining 4.1 innings. In total, they allowed four hits, one run, one walk and struck out seven.
It wasn't all bad news for the Threshers on Wednesday afternoon. Pete Lavin got the offense going in the fourth when he sent an 0-1 pitch over the right-field fence to give the Threshers their first run and hit of the game. It was also their first lead of the season, outside of Anthony Phillip's walk-off on Friday night.
Clearwater looked to add to its lead after Lavin's solo shot when Art Charles and Serna reached with back-to-back singles, before Justin Parr ended the inning by flying out to centerfield.
The Threshers threatened in the ninth when Phillips tripled home William Carmona and Logan Moore to cut the deficit to two. However, Lavin hit a hard line drive right to Yankee third baseman Jagielo to end the game.
The Threshers will look to avoid the three-game sweep Thursday night in Tampa with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. The game can be heard online at threshersbaseball.com beginning at 6:45 p.m.
Florida State League Stories from April 9, 2014
- 'Tees Pitching Shuts Down Lakeland Again in 4-1 Win - Brevard County Manatees
- Miracle Sweep Charlotte in Doubleheader at Hammond Stadium - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Mets End Skid with 5-2 Win over Hammerheads - St. Lucie Mets
- Scoreless Streak Ends in Loss to St. Lucie - Jupiter Hammerheads
- Big Inning Dooms Stewart's Start - Clearwater Threshers
- Hammerheads Pull Away Late, Beat Mets 11-0 - St. Lucie Mets
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