Jonathan Hogart recorded three hits and at least one run in both games as the Clearwater Threshers split a Wednesday night baseball doubleheader with the Dunedin Blue Jays at BayCare Ballpark. Clearwater won Game 1, 7-5, before Dunedin took Game 2, 4-2. Hogart recorded hits in both games, extending his hitting streak to five consecutive games.
The Threshers entered the doubleheader with a 67-48 overall record and a 27-22 mark in the second-half standings. The Dunedin Blue Jays entered at 53-60 overall and 23-25 in the second half. Clearwater will continue the series Thursday in Clearwater.
Five-Run Fifth Lifts Clearwater in Game 1
Will Gasparino opened Game 1 with a single, stole second and advanced to third on a balk before Hogart singled him home in the bottom of the first inning. Dunedin tied the game with a solo home run in the second, but Matthew Ferrara scored in the fourth after walking, stealing third and reaching home on a throwing error. Ferrara finished the game with three successful steals, a season high.
Dunedin took a one-run lead in the fifth, but Clearwater answered with five runs in the bottom half of the inning. Caden Bogenpohl delivered a two-run double, and Ferrara later scored on a single by Macon Winslow. Gasparino recorded two hits for the third consecutive game at BayCare Ballpark.
Cole Gilley earned the victory after allowing three runs on three hits in five innings, with two walks and three strikeouts. Orlando Gonzalez completed the game with two runs allowed on one hit, one walk and four strikeouts in two innings. Gilley improved to 7-1 after the win.
Dunedin Answers in Game 2
Clearwater served as the visiting team in Game 2 and scored twice in the second inning. Hogart reached on a single and scored after a fielding error, while Cade Climie followed with an RBI single to give the Threshers a 2-0 lead. Dunedin responded with a solo home run and a two-run home run in the bottom of the inning.
A solo home run in the third extended the Dunedin Blue Jays’ advantage to 4-2. The Threshers stranded a runner in scoring position in the sixth inning but could not complete the comeback. Dunedin secured the Game 2 victory to split the doubleheader.
Angel Liranzo took the loss after allowing four runs on three hits and three walks with three strikeouts in 3 1/3 innings. James Tallon pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and two walks. Brian Walters retired all three batters he faced in a scoreless, hitless sixth inning.
Series Continues Thursday
The Clearwater Threshers will face the Dunedin Blue Jays in a nine-inning game Thursday, Aug. 20, in Clearwater. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The game continues Clearwater’s seven-game home series against Dunedin.
Source: Original report