FSL1 Clearwater Threshers

Pointer's Jack Lifts Threshers in 7-5 Win

Published on August 16, 2014 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Clearwater Threshers News Release


CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Brian Pointer blasted a three-run homer in the third inning, and Colin Kleven delivered another strong start as the Clearwater Threshers took down the Lakeland Flying Tigers by a 7-5 final on Veterans and Military Appreciation Night at Bright House Field.

Kleven allowed just two solo homers in his six innings of work to earn the win. The righty has given the Threshers six or more innings and allowed two runs or less in each of his last four outings.

Lakeland (17-37) grabbed the lead against Kleven in the top of the third, when Tyler Gibson went yard for his first homer in a Flying Tigers uniform to make it 1-0.

Pointer responded with a round-tripper of his own in the home half.

Anthony Phillips singled with one out, and and J.P. Crawford drew a four-pitch free pass with two down to set the stage for Pointer. The Threshers' right fielder launched a 1-2 offering from Lakeland starter Yorfrank Lopez well beyond the wall in right for his 13th homer of the season, boosting his RBI total to a team-best 45.

Clearwater (24-31) tacked on another three-spot in the fourth inning.

Art Charles got it going with a lead-off single to right, and an out later Chris Serritella ripped a double deep to right that plated Charles to make it 4-1.

Gabriel Lino walked, and with two down Roman Quinn and Crawford connected for back-to-back RBI singles to extend the Threshers' advantage to 6-1.

The Flying Tigers began to cut into the deficit after Jared Reaves homered in the sixth, but that would be all they would muster against Kleven (6-9). The Threshers' starter finished having allowed two runs on five hits and a walk in six innings, while picking up seven strikeouts.

Lakeland made things interesting in the eighth. After Chad Wright opened the frame with a bunt single off Lino Martinez, the Flying Tigers brought a pair of runs home off reliever Aaron Baker in his Threshers debut. The Threshers called upon their third hurler of the inning when Lee Ridenhour entered the game with a runner at second and two outs.

Ridenhour would permit the inherited runner to score on a double to James Robbins, but he induced a groundout off the bat of Lance Durham to end the threat with the Threshers holding on to a one-run advantage.

Crawford came through for the Threshers in the bottom half to add some breathing room, delivering a two-out RBI single to give Clearwater a 7-5 lead.

Ridenhour would then retire the side in order in the ninth, striking out two to lock down his eighth save.

Clearwater will try for the three-game sweep over Lakeland on Sunday, with first pitch set for 1:00 p.m. The call can be heard live on the Threshers' broadcast network beginning at 12:45 p.m.

Check out the Clearwater Threshers Statistics

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Florida State League Stories from August 16, 2014


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