Walding the Hero as Threshers Win in 11
Published on July 22, 2015 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Clearwater Threshers News Release
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Mitch Walding delivered the final blow on Wednesday night, knocking a single to left-center to score Aaron Brown with the game-winning hit as Clearwater walked off with a 5-4, 11-inning win over the Jupiter Hammerheads.
Walding finished 2-for-5 on the night, as Clearwater (19-8) earned its tenth walk-off and 12th extra-inning victory of the season.
Jupiter (8-19) had tied it when Chris Hoo came up clutch in the ninth. With two outs and down to his final strike, Hoo hit his first home run of the year to tie the ballgame at four.
After the sides traded zeros in the tenth, Brown dropped a double just beyond the stretch of first baseman Harold Riggins in shallow right field to begin the bottom of the 11th. Walding then delivered on a 1-1 pitch, poking a single to left-center to bring home Brown with the winning run.
Victor Arano did not factor in the decision, but turned in a strong outing in the start.
The 20-year old righty worked 6.1 innings and limited the Hammerheads to just two runs on seven hits and a walk.
Down 2-1 early, Clearwater plated a pair in the fifth inning against Miguel Del Pozo to grab the advantage. Walding and Angelo Mora started the inning with back-to-back singles, and Malquin Canelo's bunt hit loaded the bases.
Walding crossed the plate on a passed ball, and Andrew Pullin pushed a grounder to short to bring home Mora and make it 3-2.
Jupiter rallied back to tie in the eighth, but Dylan Cozens answered.
In his first game back from the disabled list, Cozens crushed the first pitch he saw from Esmerling De La Rosa over the berm and onto the sidewalk beyond right-center, giving the Threshers the 4-3 advantage.
Miguel Nunez (3-2) earned the win in relief, working a perfect top of the 11th inning. The right-hander has posted a 2.27 ERA in 23 appearances out of the bullpen this year.
Clearwater will go for its fifth-straight win on Thursday, as the Threshers battle Jupiter on Ladies Night and Thirsty Thursday presented by Tijuana Flats at Bright House Field. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. with Brandon Leibrandt (6-2) on the hill against Jarlin Garcia (3-5). The call can be heard live on the Threshers Broadcast Network starting at 6:45 p.m.
Florida State League Stories from July 22, 2015
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