J.T. Etheridge delivered a scoreless postseason debut, and the Tampa Tarpons defeated the Clearwater Threshers 2-0 Tuesday in Game One of the Florida State League West Divisional Series in Tampa, Fla.
Etheridge, who was recently named FSL Pitcher of the Week, allowed one hit and struck out seven across 5.0 scoreless innings. The victory gave the Tampa Tarpons a 1-0 series lead.
Tampa Tarpons Build Early Lead
The Tampa Tarpons scored in the first inning against rehabbing pitcher Nestor Cortes. Yostin Peña lined a single before Paul Contreras doubled off the top of the right-field wall, bringing Peña home for a 1-0 lead.
Tampa added another run in the third inning. Luis Escudero doubled down the right-field line, and Peña followed with a broken-bat RBI single to extend the lead to 2-0.
Pitching Holds Clearwater Threshers Scoreless
The Tampa Tarpons bullpen protected the advantage after Etheridge completed his five innings. Jose Ledesma escaped an eighth-inning jam after the Clearwater Threshers put runners on first and second with nobody out, inducing a double play to preserve the two-run lead.
Manager Zach Wasserman then turned to Matthew Tippie for the final four outs. Tippie retired all four batters he faced to earn the save and seal the Game One victory.
The Tampa Tarpons will travel to Clearwater for the remainder of the series. Game Two is scheduled for Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at BayCare Ballpark, with Game Three to follow if necessary.
Source: Original report