Martin Strikes Again, Threshers Make it 3 Straight
Published on April 11, 2016 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Clearwater Threshers News Release
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Kyle Martin blasted his third home run in as many days, helping power the Clearwater Threshers past the Charlotte Stone Crabs, 4-3 on Monday night at Bright House Field.
Martin, who hit five home runs after debuting with Lakewood last season, is 4-for-14 with three home runs and four RBI's over the past three games. The 23-year old was the Phillies fourth-round draft pick in 2015.
Mitch Walding lifted his second dinger of the season as well, backing a solid outing by starting pitcher Tyler Viza in his High-A debut.
After Charlotte (1-4) tied it up in the second, Walding's homer off starter Chris Pike (0-1) in the bottom half put Clearwater ahead for good.
The Threshers (3-2) tacked on a key insurance run in the third.
Scott Kingery kicked it off with a single to right, and made it all the way to third when the ball was mishandled by right fielder Justin Williams for a two-base error. After Malquin Canelo reached on another miscue by third baseman Cristian Toribio, Carlos Tocci grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Kingery to scamper home and put the Threshers up 4-2.
That run would be the difference, as Pat Blair pulled the Stone Crabs closer with a solo homer off Viza in the fifth.
Viza (1-0) earned the win after holding Charlotte to three runs - two earned - on just four hits in his 5.2 innings. He did not issue a walk, and 54 of his 73 pitches (74%) were for strikes.
Alexis Rivero struck out four in his 1.1 innings of relief, and Miguel Nunez closed it down with two scoreless, earning his first save of the season. Cord Sandberg came up clutch defensively in the ninth, as he gunned down Cade Gotta trying to stretch a single into a double for the second out.
Clearwater will try to make it four straight as the Threshers host Charlotte on Dollar Tuesday, presented by Regions Bank. Will Morris makes his season debut against the Stone Crabs' Brent Honeywell at 7 p.m., and the call can be heard live on the Threshers Broadcast Network beginning at 6:45 p.m.
Florida State League Stories from April 11, 2016
- Bullpen Falters, Tortugas Fall - Daytona Tortugas
- Andujar Homers for Tampa in 5-2 Victory over Bradenton - Tampa Yankees
- Cardinals Walk Way to Victory - Palm Beach Cardinals
- Martin Strikes Again, Threshers Make it 3 Straight - Clearwater Threshers
- Tampa Takes Early Lead, Coasts to Win over Marauders - Bradenton Marauders
- Derby Deals, Miracle Shutout 2-0 by Manatees - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Blue Jays Hold off Rally, Beat Mets 4-3 - St. Lucie Mets
- Flying Tigers Welcome Jupiter Hammerheads to Henley Field for 4-Game Series Beginning Monday - Lakeland Flying Tigers
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