Clearwater Takes Rubber Match with Dramatic, 11-Inning Victory
Published on June 27, 2019 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Clearwater Threshers News Release
LAKELAND, Fla. - The Clearwater Threshers and Lakeland Flying Tigers had to wait until the 11th inning until anybody pushed across a run, but it was the visitors who came away with the 2-1 victory in extras against in the rubber match of the three-game set at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on Thursday night. The win makes the Threshers a perfect 3-for-3 in series play to start the second half.
The final inning started with a bunt single to the left side of the infield by Matt Vierling, advancing Ben Aklinski to third. Dalton Guthrie chopped a grounder to third, allowing Vierling to advance 90 ft. while the first out was recorded, and Jhailyn Ortiz struck out against Max Green (1-1) for the second out.
Madison Stokes drew a four pitch walk from the left-hander, prompting a mound visit from Flying Tigers' pitching coach Jorge Cordova. The move forced Lakeland (32-43, 3-7) to change pitchers because the visit was the second official mound visit of the inning for the home team.
Andrew Graham summoned Brandyn Sittinger from the bullpen with the bags full of Threshers. Luke Miller greeted the reliever with a two-run single up the middle, plating Aklinski and Vierling for the 2-0 lead.
Austin Ross (4-0) allowed an RBI double to Dylan Rosa with two outs in the bottom of the frame, but induced a game-ending ground out off the bat of Chad Sedio to second to wrap up the victory.
Clearwater (43-33, 7-3) received a strong pitching performance from Julian Garcia. The Broomfield, Colo. native hurled seven scoreless innings in the series finale, scattering five hits and walking just one, while setting down eight on strikes.
Kyle Arjona worked two scoreless frames of relief of Thursday's starter.
The win improves the Philadelphia Phillies affiliate's record to 3-3 in extra-inning contest, and keeps them 1.5 games in first place in the Florida State League North division heading into the three-game weekend set against the Leaders of the South, the St. Lucie Mets (NYM).
Game one of the series at First Data Field takes place Friday night in Port St. Lucie. LHP Ethan Evanko (4-2, 1.74) toes the rubber in the opener against RHP Kyle Wilson (4-7, 3.88). First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., with coverage starting at 6:15 p.m. with Threshers Live! The Pre-game show on threshersbaseball.com.
Florida State League Stories from June 27, 2019
- Tarpons Tame Tortugas, 7-2, in Finale - Daytona Tortugas
- Clearwater Takes Rubber Match with Dramatic, 11-Inning Victory - Clearwater Threshers
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- Jeffers Cracks 10th Home Run In Loss To Charlotte - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
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- Rogers in Command as Hammerheads Sink Marauders in Series Finale - Jupiter Hammerheads
- Bats Stumble in Loss to Flying Tigers - Clearwater Threshers
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