Photo Credit: Bradley Walker NGSC Sports
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The Clearwater Threshers wrapped up a three-game series versus the Bradenton Marauders, the A-affiliate for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bradenton took Game 1, but the Threshers won Game 2 in part because of Nolan Beltran’s first home run as a Thresher. His homer was a grand slam, part of a 2-4 with four RBI’s, a career high for him for a game. After the Marauders went up 2-0, the Clearwater bullpen combined for a shutout as Kevin Warunek and Erubiel Armenta were the last two pitchers in the game. In that same game, Raider Tello tied the Threshers’ longest hit streak of the season at eight.
Some of the other players that have stood out early in the season are Aaron Escobar, who is second in the Florida State League in total bases, trailing Josh Kross of the Palm Beach Cardinals. Another standout has been Eduardo Tait, who is second in home runs, also trailing Josh Kross.
The game took place under a beautiful blue sky with very few clouds after early morning showers. The teams took the field as first pitch took place at noon. The visiting Marauders were in black tops, hats, and grey pants with yellow numbers like the Pirates’ uniforms. The Threshers were in red tops, hats, and white pinstripe pants like the Phillies. Before the game, we saw a lady celebrating her 100th birthday throw out one of the first ceremonial pitches.
The game started very slowly as the two teams combined for only two hits. The Threshers made a change on the mound after the 3 2/3 innings. It was a good start for Ryan Degges after he threw back-to-back walks. In the same inning that Degges left, the Marauders ran out of challenges. For the ones that do not know, MiLB uses a computer ball and strikes. The only players that can challenge are the pitcher, catcher, or hitter, and how they ask for one is to tap the top of their helmet or hat. Just two short innings later, it continued to be slow as the teams combined for five hits. That came after Bradenton changed pitchers in the bottom of the fifth.
The first scored run came off the bat of Eddy Rodriguez with a solo home run. At that time, it gave the Marauders all the momentum. The Threshers have been here many times where they got a runner to third but did not bring him in. In the bottom of the ninth, the Threshers loaded the bases, and they got the tying run to force extras. Both teams were unable to bring home the winning run in the tenth. In the eleventh, the Threshers got the Marauders out, and with Kodey Shojinaga at the plate, he got the hit that all the Clearwater fans wanted. With runners at second and third, the hit went to center field, the runner from third came home, and the Threshers walked off with a 2-1 win.
What are your thoughts on the Clearwater Threshers Walk off win? Leave your comments below.
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Author Profile
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Director of Operations for NGSC Sports
Covers USF Athletics in Football, Baseball, Lacrosse, and Softball.
Also covered both major and minor league baseball in the Tampa Bay Rays and Clearwater Threshers.
He also covers college football bowl and conference championship games.
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