Rivas' Triple Keys Comeback in 10-7 Win
July 26, 2018 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Clearwater Threshers News Release
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Raul Rivas ripped a bases-clearing triple in the seventh inning, highlighting a five-run rally as the Clearwater Threshers held off the Lakeland Flying Tigers, 10-7 in the series opener at Spectrum Field.
Jose Pujols went yard for the third consecutive game, belting a two-run home run in the first inning. Pujols now has 17 home runs, which is just two short of matching the Threshers single-season high of 19 set by Art Charles in 2014, and matched by Kyle Martin in 2016. Ryan Howard holds the all-time Clearwater record with 23 in 2003.
Clearwater (20-13) (52-49) led 2-0 on Pujols' first inning homer, but Lakeland (19-13) (55-47) brought it even in the fourth after two singles, an error, and a pair of grounders knotted the game up at two.
The Threshers nudged back in front in the bottom half. With two on and two outs, Mickey Moniak singled to right to score Kevin Markham, making it 3-2 Threshers.
Lakeland wrestled the lead back in the sixth.
An infield hit, a walk, and a wild pitch gave way to a sac fly from Troy Montgomery, and starter Ramon Rosso exited the ballgame with two on following a walk to Cole Peterson.
After Blake Quinn took over, a pair of walks pushed home a run, and with two outs, Luke Burch singled in two more to put the Flying Tigers on top, 6-3.
Clearwater came back again in the seventh.
Moniak got it going with a single to center, and Edgar Cabral reached on an error charged to the pitcher Eudis Idrogo. Pujols worked a full count and lined a single to left, scoring Moniak to make it 6-4.
Burris Warner (4-1) entered in relief, and Luke Williams worked a base on balls. With two down and the bases full, Rivas pulled a triple inside the first base line that plated all three runners to give Clearwater a 7-6 lead. Markham then laid down a bunt single toward third, scoring Rivas to make it 8-6.
After Lakeland pulled close with a run in the eighth, Clearwater grabbed some breathing room when Arquimedes Gamboa singled, Moniak doubled, and Cabral lifted a sacrifice fly to center. The throw to third from center fielder Derek Hill sailed into the Threshers dugout, allowing Moniak to score as well and extending the lead to 10-7.
Addison Russ worked around a two-out single in the ninth, tossing a scoreless frame to earn his fifth save in as many tries.
The series swings over to Lakeland for the final three of the four-game set, with first pitch at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Adonis Medina will take the hill against Spenser Watkins, and the game will be broadcast live on threshersbaseball.com starting at 6:15 p.m.
Florida State League Stories from July 26, 2018
- Rivas' Triple Keys Comeback in 10-7 Win - Clearwater Threshers
- Ruta, Florial Lead Tarpons over Cardinals, 6-4 - Tampa Tarpons
- McKay Return, Home Runs Not Enough in 6-5 Loss - Charlotte Stone Crabs
- Gladu Hits Walk-Off Single, Mets Beat Crabs 6-5 - St. Lucie Mets
- Florida Turns Back the Clock with Throwback Thursday - Florida Fire Frogs
- Tampa Tarpons Game Notes: vs. Palm Beach - Tampa Tarpons
- Flying Tigers Return Home Friday for Weekend Series Highlighted by Baseball and Cigars Event and Christmas in July - Lakeland Flying Tigers
- Clearwater Phillies and Threshers Wall of Fame Now on Display at Spectrum Field - Clearwater Threshers
- Marshall Knapp Awarded FSL/Marlins Scholarship - Bradenton Marauders
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
