Fire Frogs Rally Late to Complete Comeback over Threshers
Published on July 13, 2018 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Florida Fire Frogs News Release
KISSIMMEE, Fla. - The Florida Fire Frogs used a late surge to push past the Clearwater Threshers with a 5-2 victory at Osceola County Stadium to open up a three-game series on Friday night. The home team plated two runs in the seventh, and three more in the eighth to give the Atlanta Braves' affiliate their seventh come-from-behind victory when trailing after the sixth.
Braxton Davidson (1x3, 2 RBI, BB) started the two-run eighth with a lead-off walk against McKenzie Mills, but was erased on a fielder's choice by Kurt Hoekstra (1x3, R, BB). Jordan Rodgers (2x3, R, 3B, 2 RBI) followed by smashing a 1-2 pitch down the line in left that caromed off the side wall, allowing Hoekstra to score all the way from first to cut the deficit to 2-1.
Garrison Schwartz (1x3) sent the next pitch out to center field, with Mickey Moniak's throw being cut off, allowing Rodgers to score the tying run.
The offense put up another crooked number in the eighth to pull ahead, as Kevin Josephina (1x2, R) and Cristian Pache (2x4, R) greeted Grant Dyer with singles. Riley Delgado (1x3, 2B) bunted the runners over in front of Brett Cumberland's (0x3, R, BB) intentional walk to load the bases, and Davidson bounced an 0-2 pitch down the first-base line into Clearwater's (11-10, 43-46) bullpen to score Josephina and Pache.
Another walk to Hoekstra loaded the bags for Rodgers, who stroked a single to center to bring home Cumberland to complete the three-run frame.
Justin Kelly (SV, 3) worked a perfect ninth to lock down his third save of the season.
The Threshers plated the first two runs of the night with solo runs in the fourth and fifth innings. Raul Rivas' bunt with runners at the corners in the fourth scored Jose Pujols, and Arquimedes Gamboa's single in the fifth brought Jose Gomez across the plate.
Those would be the only two blemishes on Ian Anderson's line in the no decision. The Braves' fourth-ranked prospect (MLB.com) allowed the runs - one earned - on five hits, three walks and eight strikeouts. The 20-year-old became the first player in the Florida State League to reach 100 strikeouts when the right-hander set down Henri Lartigue on a changeup in the fifth for his sixth punchout of the contest.
The native of Rexford, N.Y. set a new career-high in strikeouts with 102 by retiring Kevin Markham on a curveball to end his night.
Thomas Burrows (6-2) picked up his sixth win of the season with two scoreless innings of relief of Anderson. The southpaw gave up one hit and struck out two.
Florida takes aim at the series victory on Saturday night in game two of the three-game series at Osceola County Stadium. LHP Joey Wentz (2-2, 2.19) toes the rubber for the Fire Frogs against RHP Ramon Rosso (2-0, 0.82) for the Threshers. First pitch is schedule for 6:31 p.m., with coverage starting at 6:15 p.m. on the Florida Fire Frogs Broadcasting Network.
Saturday is Yellow Submarine Night at the ballpark, where fans can celebrate the Beatles with the No. 1 active live tribute band, Liverpool Live! Fans who use the promo code SUB50 can get tickets for only $4. The Fire Frogs will also sport a specialty-themed jersey.
There will also be a car show starting at 4 p.m.. Fans who use the promo code SHOW10 can receive a ticket for Saturday and Sunday's game for just 10! $2.50 of every ticket sold using the promo code will go directly to the United States Motorcycle Corps.
Saturday will also be Military Appreciation night at Osceola County Stadium. Active military and veterans will receive free admission with ID.
Florida State League Stories from July 13, 2018
- Mills Strong in Start, Fire Frogs Take Opener - Clearwater Threshers
- Blue Jays Cruise as Tarpons Drop Opener, 9-2 - Tampa Tarpons
- Fire Frogs Rally Late to Complete Comeback over Threshers - Florida Fire Frogs
- Grzelakowski Delivers Late In 5-2 Win - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Gladu Clobbers Homer, Mets Defeat Cardinals 4-3 - St. Lucie Mets
- Florida Fire Frogs Game Notes: July 13, 2018 - Florida Fire Frogs
- Tampa Tarpons Game Notes: vs. Dunedin - Tampa Tarpons
- Clemens Connection Continues Father-Son Legacy in Dunedin - Dunedin Blue Jays
- Stone Crabs Sweep Mets with Matching 3-Hit Shutouts - Charlotte Stone Crabs
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