Threshers to Attack Tortugas in Playoffs
September 6, 2015 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Clearwater Threshers News Release
The Clearwater Threshers are set for battle in the Florida State League playoffs on September 8, and will be taking on a familiar foe in the fight for the Florida State League North title.
Clearwater overcame a five-game deficit in the final five games of the first half to snatch a playoff berth out of the grasp of the Daytona Tortugas.
As if the season series weren't dramatic enough, it's the Tortugas with whom the Threshers will contend in the first round of the 2015 FSL playoffs.
Round one will feature a best-of-three series between Clearwater and Daytona beginning on Tuesday, September 8 at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona. The Threshers will host the Tortugas for game two at Bright House Field on Wednesday, September 9 at 7 p.m. and if necessary, game three will be played on Thursday, September 10th in Clearwater at 7 p.m.
The winner of that series will advance to the Florida State League Championship, a best-of-five set against the victor of the FSL South. The North division winner will host the first two games, while the final three would be on the road, as the South owns home field advantage.
Clearwater has found quite a bit of success against Daytona this season, particularly at Bright House Field. Although the Threshers have played to a better overall road record than at home, Clearwater has gone 7-2 against the Tortugas at Bright House Field.
In 17 meetings, the Threshers own a .288 average - the second-highest against any opponent this year - while plating over 4.5 runs per game. Mitch Walding has led the charge, with a .313 average in 15 games against Daytona, including four doubles and six walks. Andrew Pullin has feasted on Tortuga pitching as well, batting .302 with two homers and nine RBIs in 14 games.
Clearwater's 2.86 ERA is also its third-best against any opponent this year. Mark Leiter, Jr. has been particularly dominant, as he has permitted only one run in 19.2 innings spanning three starts against Daytona. Leiter last faced Daytona on August 24, when he shut out the Tortugas on four hits in six innings to earn the win.
Ricardo Pinto is a likely candidate for a start in that series as well. Pinto made his high-A debut in an elimination game against Daytona on June 22, limiting the Tortugas to two runs in 6.1 innings.
On the opposite end, Florida State League co-Pitcher of the Year Amir Garrett leads the Tortugas staff. The Threshers have seen plenty of Garrett this year, as he has faced Clearwater on six occasions while posting a 2.30 ERA. The lefty is currently Cincinnati's No. 3 prospect, and ranks in the top five in the Florida State League in ERA, strikeouts, and opponent batting average.
Offensively, OF/1B Brian O'Grady turned in a big series at Clearwater in August, going 4-for-9 with four RBIs including a homer. Outfielder Sebastian Elizalde clubbed seven extra-base hits in 15 games against Clearwater this year, and is one of the top run producers in the FSL.
The series kicks off at Daytona on September 8, and moves to Bright House Field for game two on September 9. Playoff tickets are on-sale now and can be purchased here, at the Threshers Box Office, or by calling 727-467-4457.
Florida State League Stories from September 6, 2015
- 'Tugas Enter Playoffs on 5-Game Win Streak - Daytona Tortugas
- T-Yanks Fall in Season Finale, 3-2 - Tampa Yankees
- Marauders Close Season with Win - Bradenton Marauders
- Clearwater Clinches Both Halves with 2-1 Win - Clearwater Threshers
- Crabs Take Season Finale, 5-1, at Hammond Stadium - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Mets Finish Season with 6-2 Loss to Marauders - St. Lucie Mets
- D-Jays Lead Short Lived in 6-1 Loss to Threshers - Dunedin Blue Jays
- Threshers to Attack Tortugas in Playoffs - Clearwater Threshers
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