The Clearwater Threshers lost 7-4 to the Dunedin Blue Jays on Thursday night, August 20, at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida. Brayden Bakes hit a two-run home run in the third inning to give Clearwater a 3-2 lead, its only advantage of the game.
Dunedin scored in four of the final six innings to pull away. The Blue Jays tied the game with a home run in the fourth inning, regained the lead with another solo shot in the fifth and added a run in the sixth before scoring twice in the seventh.
Nolan Beltran helped keep Clearwater within reach. He recorded a base hit in the first inning, drew a bases-loaded walk in the sixth and became the fourth Clearwater Thresher in the 2026 season to reach 50 RBIs.
The Threshers had another opportunity in the eighth inning when their first three batters reached on walks to load the bases. Clearwater could not convert the chance, and Cade Climie doubled in the ninth inning before Dunedin completed the victory.
Yordanis Guerra allowed two runs on five hits with three walks and five strikeouts in three innings. Jacob Pruitt allowed three runs on seven hits with one walk and one strikeout in three innings and took the loss, while Tyler Bowen allowed two runs on two hits with one walk and four strikeouts in two innings.
Richie Cortese retired all three batters he faced with one strikeout in a scoreless, hitless ninth inning. Will Gasparino went 8-for-20 during his five-game hitting streak, but Clearwater dropped its second straight game.
The Clearwater Threshers will continue their seven-game home series against the Dunedin Blue Jays on Friday, August 21, at BayCare Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., and Clearwater will return as the Beach Dogs for the game.
Source: Original report