Matthew Ferrara had two hits and scored twice, but the Clearwater Threshers lost 6-5 to the Lakeland Flying Tigers in the series opener Tuesday night at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium.
Clearwater led by four runs before Lakeland home runs in the fifth and sixth innings helped the Flying Tigers rally. The Threshers got their leadoff batter aboard in the ninth inning but could not score the tying run.
Clearwater takes early lead
Lakeland scored first on an error in the bottom of the first inning. Clearwater answered in the second when Macon Winslow singled, Jonathan Hogart walked and Ferrara singled to load the bases.
Nolan Beltran grounded out with the bases loaded to score Winslow and tie the game. Jack Hopko then reached on an error, allowing Hogart and Ferrara to score as the Clearwater Threshers took a 3-1 lead.
Ferrara led off the fourth inning with a single before Beltran was hit by a pitch and Hopko walked to load the bases. Will Gasparino and Tyler Spangler each hit into a fielder’s choice, scoring Ferrara and Beltran.
Spangler recorded his first career RBI in the inning as Clearwater extended its lead to 5-1. Ferrara was the only Clearwater Threshers player with multiple hits or runs.
Lakeland rallies with two-run homers
Cris Rodriguez hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning to cut the Clearwater lead in half. Lakeland hit another two-run home run in the sixth inning to tie the game at five.
The Clearwater Threshers put their leadoff batter on base in the ninth inning but could not tie the game. Cardoza pinch-ran for Jonathan Hogart during the inning.
Zuher Yousuf allowed three runs on eight hits, one walk and six strikeouts in five innings and received a no-decision. Tyler Bowen took a blown save after allowing two runs on two hits and two walks in two-thirds of an inning.
Richie Cortese pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing one hit and recording one strikeout. James Tallon took the loss after allowing one run on two hits, one walk and one strikeout in one inning.
Clearwater continues road series Wednesday
The Clearwater Threshers entered the game with a 67-52 overall record and a 27-26 record in the applicable split. The Lakeland Flying Tigers entered at 59-59 overall and 28-26 in that split.
Jonathan Hogart and Macon Winslow have each reached base safely in 10 consecutive games. Hogart has drawn at least one walk in four consecutive games.
The Clearwater Threshers will continue their six-game road series against the Lakeland Flying Tigers on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 6:30 p.m.
Source: Original report