FSL1 Clearwater Threshers

Nola's Debut Spoiled as Threshers Fall, 5-2

June 23, 2014 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Clearwater Threshers News Release


LAKELAND, Fla. - Aaron Nola's first start in a Threshers' uniform had its bright spots, but the Clearwater Threshers fell to the Lakeland Flying Tigers in the series finale Monday night, 5-2, at Joker Marchant Stadium.

Nola (0-1) walked his first opponent, Chad Wright, but faced the minimum through the first two innings before trouble struck in the third.

With his team up 1-0, Nola surrendered a solo shot to James Robbins to tie the game. The trouble didn't stop there for the first-round draft pick, as the Flying Tigers loaded the bases and scratched across three more runs on a Jeff McVaney bases-clearing double. Lance Durham followed with a walk, which forced the starter out of the game.

Jordan Guth came on in relief and got Connor Harrell to fly out, but walked Austin Green and Robbins to force in a run and end Nola's line.

The seventh pick of the 2014 draft lasted 2.1 innings in his debut, surrendering five runs - four earned - on three hits and two walks, while also striking out three.

Clearwater (3-2) jumped out to an early lead when Angelo Mora put the Threshers on the board first in the third inning with his second home run of the season.

Mora's solo shot would be the only offense the Threshers could muster against Yorfrank Lopez (4-4), as Clearwater would not be able to push any additional runs across until the ninth.

Brian Pointer was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, and Cory Bass walked before Mora's infield single loaded the bases with nobody out.

Roman Quinn worked a 3-1 count and hit a sacrifice fly to right field to plate Pointer and cut the game to 5-2.

JP Crawford struck out for a second time and KC Serna grounded out to third on a bang-bang play to end the game.

Pointer went 2-for-4 on the night and extended his hitting streak to seven games.

The Threshers will head home to face the Tampa Yankees for a three-game set beginning Tuesday night at Bright House Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. with coverage starting at 6:45 p.m. on threshersbaseball.com.

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Florida State League Stories from June 23, 2014


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