Tocci Knocks Four Hits in 7-2 Loss
July 18, 2015 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Clearwater Threshers News Release
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Carlos Tocci matched a Threshers season-high with four hits on Saturday night, but the Palm Beach Cardinals rallied past Clearwater in handing the Threshers a 7-2 loss in the series finale.
After winning the series opener on Wednesday, Clearwater (15-8) has dropped three straight for the first time since June 4-6.
Tocci finished 4-for-5 with four singles, having hit .529 (9-for-17) across the four-game set. Mitch Walding belted his third home run of the season, a two-run shot in the second that gave the Threshers the early advantage.
Brandon Leibrandt turned in a solid outing and left in line for the win. The lefty worked six innings, and limited Palm Beach (16-7) to a run on five hits and two walks, but took a no-decision.
Clearwater held a 2-1 lead into the eighth, when the Cardinals came to life against the Threshers bullpen.
Brett Wiley started with a single on an 0-2 pitch against reliever Alexis Rivero (0-1), who was making just his second appearance at the high-A level.
Rivero struck out Collin Radack, but Wiley advanced to second on a wild pitch.
Luke Voit followed with a single, and Blake Drake's base knock through the left side brought home Wiley with the tying run. After Ulises Joaquin entered in place of Rivero, Carson Kelly's double to left-center gave Palm Beach the lead.
All told, the Cardinals would race ahead with six runs off the Clearwater pen in the final two frames. Prior to Saturday, the Threshers bullpen had not permitted an earned run in its last 18 innings.
It was also just the second time all season that the Threshers have lost when leading after seven innings.
Clearwater will look to rebound on Sunday afternoon, as they open a three-game series at Lakeland. Ricardo Pinto (2-1) takes the hill in the opener against Jonathan Maciel (3-7), with first pitch set for 1 p.m. The call can be heard live on the Threshers Broadcast Network starting at 12:45 p.m.
Florida State League Stories from July 18, 2015
- Tocci Knocks Four Hits in 7-2 Loss - Clearwater Threshers
- Manatees Complete Comeback with Two Runs in Ninth, Win 7-6 - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Blue Jays Win Series Finale vs. Mets 4-2 - St. Lucie Mets
- Offense Struggles as T-Yanks Drop Finale, 3-0 - Tampa Yankees
- Duncan's Arm Lifts Marauder to 3-2 Victory - Bradenton Marauders
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