Hamels Throws Gem, Threshers Drop Opener
Published on April 17, 2014 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Clearwater Threshers News Release
CLEARWATER -- The Clearwater Threshers had their two-game win streak snapped at the hands of the Lakeland Flying Tigers, 2-1 on Thursday night.
With the game tied at one in the top of the ninth, Lino Martinez walked the first two men he faced. Chris Burgess then came on in relief and got Jeff McVaney to ground into a fielder's choice. Burgess then walked Jeff Holm to load the bases with one out.
With Conner Harrell at the plate, Burgess threw a wild pitch that allowed the go-ahead run to score. The Flying Tigers (8-6) took the 2-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth and turned the game over to closer Guido Knudson.
Knudson retired the Threshers 1-2-3 to end the ballgame, and pick up his third save of the season.
Cole Hamels made his third start of a rehab assignment with the Threshers (3-11) but didn't factor into the decision. He went seven innings while allowing three hits and an earned run. while walking one and striking out two.
Hamels finished with 81 pitches on the night, 57 of which were strikes.
Endrys Briceno got the call for Lakeland and threw six innings, allowing just an earned run on five hits while striking out three and not surrendering a walk.
Clearwater got its only run in the fourth inning with two outs. After Casey Serna singled and Art Charles doubled, Logan Moore came to bat. Briceno threw a wild pitch that allowed Serna to come down the line to score the game's first run.
Lakeland answered in the top of the fifth on a solo home run by Harrell. It was Harrell's first long ball of the season and just the third for the Flying Tigers as a team.
Lino Martinez (0-1) was charged with the loss while Will Startup (2-0) picked up the win.
Game two of the series is Friday with first pitch set for 6:30 p.m. Jeb Stefan (0-1) is expected to get the start for Clearwater, while Yorfrank Lopez (1-1) gets the call for Lakeland. Coverage begins at 6:15 p.m. on threshersbaseball.com.
Friday is also Country Night at Bright House Field, with a post-game concert featuring Jamie Lynn Spears. The show will kick off the Threshers' Summer Concert Series, presented by Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy and New Belgium Fat Tire.
Florida State League Stories from April 17, 2014
- Matz Dominates Miracle, Mets Win 6-1 - St. Lucie Mets
- Palm Beach Drops Fifth Straight Game - Palm Beach Cardinals
- Matz Stuns Miracle in 6-1 St. Lucie Win - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Hamels Throws Gem, Threshers Drop Opener - Clearwater Threshers
- Stone Crabs Hang on for 5-3 Win - Charlotte Stone Crabs
- Thursday's Brevard County/Dunedin Game Suspended - Brevard County Manatees
- Flying Tigers Return Home Monday for Week of Fun Including Hat Giveaway, $1 Days and All-You-Can-Eat - Lakeland Flying Tigers
- Rosa's Two Homers Lift Jupiter over Mets in Extras, 8-6 - St. Lucie Mets
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