Clearwater Stifled by St. Lucie's Pitching in Shutout Loss
June 12, 2019 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Clearwater Threshers News Release
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Backed by Major League veteran Ervin Santana, the St. Lucie Mets shut down the Clearwater Threshers 5-0 in game two of the four-game series. The Philadelphia Phillies' affiliate was also eliminated from first-half playoff contention in the Florida State League North after Dunedin's 2-0 win over Florida.
It didn't take long for the Threshers (35-29) to fall behind, as Andrew Brown (2-4) gave up a solo blast to St. Lucie center fielder Jacob Zanon. The Mets (31-33) gave themselves an early 1-0 advantage for the second straight game.
Clearwater nearly responded in the first after Roman Quinn doubled and stole third and Alec Bohm walked. Santana (1-1) erased the threat after Jhailyn Ortiz hit into a 5-4-3 double play.
The 15-year MLB veteran escaped further trouble after Matt Vierling's double in the second to strand another runner in scoring position. Santana turned away the Threshers in the third after striking out Ortiz to leave two runners on.
St. Lucie added to its lead in the fourth off Brown with an RBI groundout from Mitch Ghelfi and an RBI single from Manny Rodriguez. Brown kept the score 3-0 after Yoel Romero flew out to Ortiz, who nabbed Rodriguez at the plate with a strong throw to complete a double-play.
The Philadelphia Phillies' affiliate managed four hits and two walks against Santana, but could not take advantage of its opportunities. The 2017 American League All-Star earned his first St. Lucie win after six scoreless frames with six strikeouts.
Oscar Marcelino relieved Brown and allowed two runs to score in the seventh on Carlos Cortes' two-run single to make it 5-0. The native of the Dominican Republic picked up two strikeouts in two frames in his Thresher debut.
The New York Mets' affiliate was boosted again by their bullpen as Ezequiel Zabatela (SV, 3) earned the save with three scoreless frames. Clearwater has failed to score a run in 7.1 innings against the St. Lucie bullpen. Mets' relievers have allowed just two hits and two walks through the first two games of the four-game series.
Clearwater's offense was given a boost from Alec Bohm despite the shutout. The Phillies' No. 1 prospect reached base four times with three walks and a double. He pushed his batting average to .308 and his OPS to .847 with the performance. Bohm has walked four times and hit two extra-base hits against the Mets this year.
Clearwater looks for the series lead against St. Lucie on Wednesday morning at Spectrum Field. RHP Julian Garcia (4-4 3.17) will toe the rubber for the Threshers against Mets' RHP Dedniel Nunez (0-1 3.94). First pitch is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. with coverage beginning on Threshers Live! The Pregame Show at 10:15 a.m. on threshersbaseball.com.
Wednesday's contest marks the first Camp Day of the year. Summer camps will be featured at the ballpark for a special 10:30 a.m. game. Silver Sharks will also be featured on Wednesday morning. The club, designed for fans 55 and older, includes admission to and parking for all Wednesday home games.
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