Leiter Returns Strong, Threshers Split DH
Published on August 8, 2015 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Clearwater Threshers News Release
TAMPA, Fla. - Mark Leiter, Jr. held the Tampa Yankees scoreless in his return to Clearwater, as the Threshers earned a doubleheader split at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Saturday.
After falling 5-3 in the opener, the Threshers bounced back to toss their third shutout in the last four games, winning 1-0 in game two. Friday's scheduled opener against Tampa had been postponed due to lighting issues caused by a nearby circus tent, forcing a twin bill on Saturday.
The Threshers (26-17) lost a late lead in game one, as the Yankees plated five unanswered runs to hand Clearwater the 5-3 loss.
Clearwater put up a pair of unearned runs against Dietrich Enns in the second, capitalizing on a two-base error that started the inning.
Dylan Cozens followed by driving a double to right, plating Rhys Hoskins with the game's first run. After a Willians Astudillo sac bunt, Aaron Brown knocked a sacrifice fly to right to score Cozens.
The Threshers pushed home a third when Brown drew a bases-loaded walk in the fourth inning.
Yacksel Rios turned in 5.1 innings in the spot start - his second-longest outing of the season - and held Tampa to three runs on five hits and a walk.
Rios retired Abiatal Avelino on a groundout to start the sixth, but Dustin Fowler picked up his third hit of the ballgame, a single to center, to signal the end of the outing for Rios.
Ethan Stewart (0-1) entered and issued a walk to Mike Ford, and three straight singles against Ulises Joaquin permitted Tampa to race ahead, 5-3.
Leiter kept Tampa scoreless in the nightcap, making his first start with Clearwater since June 14. Leiter (4-1) had made eight starts with AA Reading before returning to Clearwater's rotation.
The righty limited Tampa (19-23) to just four hits and three walks, striking out four in the win.
The lone run of the ballgame came in the fourth inning. Hoskins ripped a two-out double to the wall in left off Jonathan Holder (5-3), and Cozens followed by lining a single into center to bring Hoskins home.
Miguel Nunez earned his third save of the season, spinning a perfect seventh while striking out two to lock down the Threshers victory.
Clearwater will battle Tampa in the series finale on Sunday at 1 p.m., and the call can be heard live on the Threshers Broadcast Network starting at 12:45 p.m.
Florida State League Stories from August 8, 2015
- Marauders Send 'Crabs to Sixth Straight Loss - Charlotte Stone Crabs
- Seven Wins in Eight Games for Tortugas - Daytona Tortugas
- Matt Dean Delivers Game-Winning Hit in Extras - Dunedin Blue Jays
- T-Yanks Split Double-Header with Threshers - Tampa Yankees
- Mets Overcome 5-0 Deficit to Beat Jupiter 7-6 - St. Lucie Mets
- Bradenton doubles-up on Charlotte - Bradenton Marauders
- Leiter Returns Strong, Threshers Split DH - Clearwater Threshers
- Palm Beach Wins Game Two - Palm Beach Cardinals
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