Threshers Fall in Extra-Inning Battle to Miracle in Series Opener
Published on April 12, 2019 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Clearwater Threshers News Release
CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Clearwater Threshers could not hold on to a late 1-0 lead and suffered a 5-4 extra inning loss to the Fort Myers Miracle in the first game of a three-game series at Spectrum Field.
Clearwater (2-7), off the strong arm of Alejandro Requena, held a 1-0 lead until the ninth inning when Fort Myers (5-4) tied the game on sacrifice fly from Royce Lewis.
After Fort Myers (5-4) grabbed the lead in the 10th inning, Clearwater would respond with a run of their own with a sacrifice fly from Madison Stokes to score Simon Muzziotti.
The visitors broke the 2-2 deadlock in the 11th inning when two runs came across on bases-loaded walks issued by Clearwater reliever Zach Warren.
The home team continued to fight back, capitalizing on the extra- inning rule with a runner on second when Ben Aklinski hit his first homer of the year to tie the game at four.
The goodwill wouldn't last when Fort Myers scored another run in the top of the 12th inning to grab a 5-4 lead.
Despite starting the bottom of the frame with the runner on second, Rodolfo Duran lined a ball right to pitcher Alex Phillips, who turned a double-play to erase the runner Jhailyn Ortiz. The Threshers were unable get anything else done in the 12th and fell to Fort Myers 5-4.
It was a tough no-decision for right hander Requena, who pitched six one-hit frames with eight strikeouts. The native of Venezuela has tallied 16 strikeouts in 11 innings of work to open 2019.
Right hander Connor Brogdon blew his first save of the year with two runs allowed in two innings. Grant Dyer (0-1) picked up the loss after allowing the go-ahead run to score for Fort Myers in the 12th.
Clearwater will look to even the three-game series with Fort Myers on Saturday night at Spectrum Field. LHP Kyle Young (0-1, 4.50) will take the ball for the Threshers against Miracle RHP Bailey Ober (0-0, 0.00). First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m., with coverage beginning at 6:15 p.m. on threshersbaseball.com
Saturday night will feature another amazing fireworks display after the conclusion of the contest, presented by TNT Burgers.
Florida State League Stories from April 12, 2019
- Florida Offense Flames Mets, 10-7 - Florida Fire Frogs
- Threshers Fall in Extra-Inning Battle to Miracle in Series Opener - Clearwater Threshers
- Whitefield Lifts Miracle To 5-4 Win In 12 - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Tarpons Trip up Tortugas in Opener, 3-0 - Daytona Tortugas
- Rally Falls Short, Mets Lose to Fire Frogs 10-7 - St. Lucie Mets
- Stone Crabs Drop Opener to Cards 6-2 - Charlotte Stone Crabs
- Stone Crabs Game Notes - Fri, April 12 vs Palm Beach - Charlotte Stone Crabs
- Offense Stalls in Finale against Flying Tigers - Clearwater Threshers
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