Five-Run 8th Sends Threshers to Loss
Published on May 30, 2014 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Clearwater Threshers News Release
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- The Clearwater Threshers held a 4-1 lead into the eighth inning on Friday, but the Fort Myers Miracle rallied for six runs over the final two frames to upend the Threshers, 7-4 on '70's Night at Bright House Field.
The bottom third of the Clearwater order combined to go 6-for-11 with three doubles and three RBI on the evening.
Clearwater (11-42) jumped out in front in the second inning with a two-out rally against starter Brett Lee.
Gabriel Lino singled, and Brian Pointer followed by dropping a double out of the reach of center fielder Eddie Rosario in left-center to plate Lino with the game's first run. Pointer would score as well when Malquin Canelo stepped up and lined a single to right-center.
The Threshers kept it going by tacking on another in the third. KC Serna sent a double to left-centerfield to lead off, and Pete Lavin grounded a base hit through the right side of the infield to set up runners at the corners.
After Lee got Art Charles out on strikes, Brandon Short hit a ground ball fielder's choice to second and beat out the return throw when it rolled out of the mitt of first baseman Dalton Hicks, allowing Serna to score to make it 3-0 Threshers.
The bottom part of the order struck again in the third. Lino and Pointer went back-to-back with two-baggers to boost the Threshers to a 4-0 advantage.
Adam Loewen started for Clearwater, and cruised through four innings before the Miracle pushed across a run in the fifth.
Loewen, who was making just his second appearance of the season, walked three batters in the inning before Eddie Rosario lined a single to right to bring home a run and end the day for Loewen.
Lee Ridenhour entered in relief with the bases loaded and just one out, guarding a three-run lead. He managed to induce a pop out and flyout to strand all three runners.
The 4-1 lead remained intact until the eighth.
Adam Walker led off against Jordan Guth (1-2) by belting his first of two home runs on the evening, cutting the Threshers lead down to two. A pair of walks and an error on Serna at third loaded the bases with nobody out.
Mike Gonzales then ripped a double down the left field line, allowing all three base runners to score. That put the Miracle ahead, 5-4.
Walker would homer again in the ninth inning, adding to his Florida State League lead with 12 total.
Clearwater will next welcome in the Bradenton Marauders for four games, beginning on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. A post-game fireworks show is set to follow the conclusion of the game. The broadcast can be heard live on threshersbaseball.com beginning at 6:15 p.m.
Florida State League Stories from May 30, 2014
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- Manatees Beat Slumping Mets 3-1 - St. Lucie Mets
- Five-Run 8th Sends Threshers to Loss - Clearwater Threshers
- Walker Sparks Rally, Miracle Come Back for 7-4 Victory - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Battling for Control: Ethan Stewart - Clearwater Threshers
- Yankees to Kick Off June with Four Game Home stand at Steinbrenner Field - Tampa Yankees
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