WP: Denis Samudio (3-2, 3.80)
LP: Sean Youngerman (2-7, 5.48)
CLEARWATER, FL – Nolan Beltran drove in his fifth run of the series, but the Clearwater Threshers (67-50, 27-24) dropped their third straight game in a 10-2 defeat to the Dunedin Blue Jays (55-60, 25-25) on Friday night at BayCare Ballpark. The Threshers look to snap their skid when they return home for a Saturday showdown against the Blue Jays.
Cade Climie led off the third inning with a double, and advanced to third base on an infield hit by Matthew Ferrara. Tyler Spangler followed by hitting into a double play that allowed Climie to score the game’s first run from third base. Dunedin tied the game on a double steal in the top of the fourth inning, with one runner stealing home to square the score at one. The Blue Jays extended their advantage with five runs in the top of the fifth inning to take a 6-1 lead at the halfway point of the game.
Four more runs in the top of the sixth put Dunedin ahead by nine runs. The Beach Dogs answered in the eighth inning after a leadoff walk by Tyler Spangler. With two outs in the frame, a double to centerfield by Beltran gave the Threshers their second run of the night to cut the deficit to eight runs. No baserunners were able to reach after the double, however, and the Beach Dogs fell 10-2 to the Blue Jays.
Sean Youngerman (2-7) surrendered six runs (five earned) on six hits with two walks and five strikeouts in 5.0 innings to take the loss. Manuel Colon gave up four runs on three hits with two walks allowed in 1.0 inning. Gerardo Lopez struck out three batters and allowed one hit in 2.0 scoreless innings. Wilmer Blanco finished the final inning scoreless, allowing one hit and striking out one.
Beltran has five RBIs in five games against Dunedin this series...Youngerman didn’t allow a hit in his first 3.0 innings of work...Lopez struck out three batters in his Threshers debut...Climie hit the first two doubles of his pro career on back-to-back nights...Vierling has reached base safely in six consecutive games...The Threshers will continue a seven-game home series against the Dunedin Blue Jays on Saturday, August 22...First pitch on Saturday evening will take place at 6:30 pm...You can purchase Threshers tickets at ThreshersBaseball.com/tickets or by calling 727-467-4457…The BayCare Ballpark Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 10 am – 5 pm...The box office will be open on Saturdays from 10 am - 3 pm...Visit our website at threshersbaseball.com for information on tickets and promotions for the Threshers season.