The Clearwater Threshers scored nine runs over the final two innings to defeat the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels 13-9 on Friday, Sept. 4, at BayCare Ballpark. The victory gave Clearwater four consecutive wins over Fort Myers to open its final homestand of the season. The Threshers overcame a 5-1 deficit in the comeback win.
Will Vierling led Clearwater with game highs of four hits, two home runs and five RBIs. He hit a home run in the fourth inning, delivered a run-scoring single in the seventh and added a two-run homer in the eighth. His second home run came three pitches after Tyler Spangler hit his first career home run to put Clearwater back in front.
Clearwater takes control late
Nolan Beltran recorded three doubles and extended his on-base streak to 16 games. His bases-clearing double in the seventh inning gave the Threshers their first lead. Jack Hopko followed with his first career triple, scoring Vierling from first base.
Fort Myers tied the game with a three-run home run in the top of the eighth inning. Spangler answered with a home run to left field in the bottom half of the inning, giving Clearwater the lead again. Vierling then followed with his second homer of the night to complete the scoring.
Gonzalez closes out the win
Orlando Gonzalez earned the victory and improved to 2-0 after pitching the final two innings without allowing a run. He struck out four, walked one and allowed two hits. Gonzalez recorded both of his scoreless innings after Clearwater took the lead late.
Andrew Hoffmann retired all three batters he faced in a scoreless, hitless sixth inning during his Phillies organization debut. The Clearwater Threshers will host the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels again Saturday, Sept. 5, in the penultimate game of the regular season. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at BayCare Ballpark.
Source: Original report