FSL1 Clearwater Threshers

Threshers Edge Flying Tigers 2-1 Friday

Published on May 10, 2013 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Clearwater Threshers News Release


CLEARWATER -The Clearwater Threshers got back on the winning path Friday night, holding off the Lakeland Flying Tigers 2-1 in front of 2,879 fans at Bright House Field.

The Threshers (18-16) have now won five of their last six games and seven of their last nine, vaulting up the Florida State League's North Division standings. The win marked the first time Clearwater knocked off Lakeland (13-20) in 2013, as the Flying Tigers had taken the first four meetings between the two clubs.

Lakeland struck first in the top of the third against Threshers starter Gabriel Arias (4-1). With two outs, Harold Castro and Tyler Hanover hit back-to-back singles to put runners on first and second. Jason Krizan hit a sharp grounder to Carlos Alonso at second base that Alonso couldn't glove. The single brought Castro in from second, making it 1-0 Tigers.

Clearwater would soon equalize, though. Designated hitter Harold Martinez worked the count full against Lakeland starter Kyle Ryan (3-3), then tattooed a fastball over the right-field fence for a solo homer. The round-tripper was the first of the year for Martinez, and it evened the score at 1-1.

The Threshers moved ahead in the bottom of the seventh inning. First baseman Chris Serritella lined the first pitch he saw off the left field wall for a double, and moved to third on a single through the right side by left fielder Cameron Perkins. Shortstop Jose Mojica grounded into a force out at second that allowed Serritella to score, making it 2-1 in favor of the Threshers. That's where it would stay, as the Threshers bullpen put together two scoreless innings to keep the lead and secure the victory.

Arias picked up his fourth win, throwing seven innings of one-run baseball. The righty allowed five hits and a walk while striking out six. Severino Gonzalez gave up a hit in a scoreless inning during his 2013 debut, striking out one. Luis Garcia pitched a perfect ninth inning with two strikeouts for his fourth save.

Ryan took the loss with two runs surrendered on six hits and a walk in seven innings, fanning eight. Alex Burgos gave up two hits but no runs in a scoreless inning of relief, recording a single strikeout.

The two teams will face off in the rubber match of the series Saturday, with southpaw Nick Hernandez starting for Clearwater against Lakeland righty Jeff Ferrell. There will be fireworks after the game! Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and first pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Ben Gellman's pregame show starts at 6:15 p.m. on ThreshersBaseball.com.

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Florida State League Stories from May 10, 2013


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