FSL1 Clearwater Threshers

Threshers Topple Blue Jays, Take Series

Published on August 19, 2015 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Clearwater Threshers News Release


DUNEDIN, Fla. - Mark Leiter Jr. delivered a strong six-inning effort, and Andrew Pullin knocked home two runs to help lead the Clearwater Threshers in a 6-2 win in the series finale at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium.

Alexis Rivero was dominant in relief, tossing three hitless innings to earn his second save. Rivero struck out each of the first four men he faced, and rung up five total.

The Threshers (33-20) got the offense started immediately, placing two men on with one out in the opening frame.

Rhys Hoskins then ripped a double to left off the starter Derek Blacksher (0-1), plating Jesmuel Valentin with the game's first run. Pullin followed by blooping a single just out of the reach of the shortstop Jason Leblebijian, bringing home Dylan Cozens to make it 2-0.

Clearwater doubled its advantage in the third. After a walk and a two-error play, Pullin dropped a single into right to bump up the advantage to 3-0. Pullin extended his career-best RBI total to 65, placing him third in the Florida State League.

With runners at the corners, Aaron Brown hit a swinging bunt out in front of the plate that allowed Hoskins to cross the dish with the Threshers' fourth run.

Blacksher would be charged with four runs - three earned - on eight hits in five innings in his Dunedin debut. The 30-year old right-hander was recently signed out of independent ball, and on Wednesday made his first appearance for an affiliated team since 2007.

Leiter (5-1) earned the win after limiting Dunedin to just two runs on six hits and two walks in his six innings, striking out five. He has given the Threshers six innings in each of his three starts since returning from Reading.

Up 4-2, Clearwater grabbed a pair of insurance runs in the eighth. The Threshers loaded the bases on a bunt single sandwiched between two walks, and Mitch Walding greeted reliever Arik Sikula with an RBI single through the right side.

Valentin's sacrifice fly later capped the scoring, with Clearwater ahead 6-2.

After taking three-of-four from Dunedin (21-30), the Threshers return home to Bright House Field to kick off a six-game homestand, beginning with Thirsty Thursday and Ladies Night presented by Tijuana Flats.

First pitch is set for 7 p.m. against the Brevard County Manatees, with Yacksel Rios (5-3) on the hill against Cy Sneed (3-2). The call can be heard live on the Threshers Broadcast Network starting at 6:45 p.m.

Check out the Clearwater Threshers Statistics

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Florida State League Stories from August 19, 2015


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