Gutiérrez guts Daytona in tenth; Threshers take opener

Michel Triana picks up two hits, four arms combine to whiff 13 in defeat

1B Michel Triana picked up two hits — including a double — and scored a run, but the Clearwater Threshers crept by the Daytona Tortugas, 2-1, in 10 innings in front of 1,408 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Tuesday night. (Aldrin Capulong)

By Justin Rocke

June 1, 2021

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The Tortugas received yet another sparkling pitching performance in their own confines, but it was an RBI single from Threshers C Abrahan Gutiérrez that decided the game. The run-scoring knock in the 10th was the ultimate blow, as Clearwater crept past Daytona, 2-1, in front of

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The Tortugas received yet another sparkling pitching performance in their own confines, but it was an RBI single from Threshers C Abrahan Gutiérrez that decided the game. The run-scoring knock in the 10th was the ultimate blow, as Clearwater crept past Daytona, 2-1, in front of 1,408 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Tuesday night.

Tied at one with 3B Nicolas Torres (0-4, 2 R, 2 SO) as the automatic runner at second, RHP Ricky Karcher (1.0 IP, H, R, BB, 3 SO) entered and immediately struck out the first two hitters. However, following a borderline ball four on a full count to 2B Casey Martin (2-4, BB, SO), Gutiérrez (2-4, RBI, BB, SO) stepped in and stung a grounder up the middle. Torres came home to score on the first hit yielded by Karcher in 2021 to put Clearwater (12-13) ahead, 2-1.

The Tortugas (12-13) managed to load the bases with one out in the bottom of the frame, but could not scratch across another tally. RHP Tyler Burch (1.0 IP, BB, 2 SO) collected a strikeout and a foul pop out to first to close out the Threshers’ victory and his second save of the season.

Clearwater scored the game’s opening run in a similar fashion in the second. Trailing consecutive punchouts by LHP Evan Kravetz (5.0 IP, 3 H, R, BB, 6 SO), Torres reached on a two-base throwing error. SS Luis García (2-4, 2B, RBI, SO) proceeded to stretch a single through the right side to give the Threshers the 1-0 edge.

It stayed that way until the seventh, as Daytona finally dented the scoreboard. 1B Michel Triana (2-4, R, 2B, SO) rifled a double to right and advanced to third on a wild pitch. CF Allan Cerda (1-3, 3B, RBI) would loft a sacrifice fly to left-center, knotting the game at one.

Neither starter received a decision on Tuesday despite excellent performances. Daytona’s Kravetz was saddled with his fifth-straight no-decision to begin the campaign. LHP Jordi Martínez (4.0 IP, H, BB, 5 SO) permitted only two baserunners over his four strong innings for Clearwater.

LHP J.P. Woodward (1.2 IP, H) accrued five outs out of the bullpen for the visitors, earning his first professional victory. Karcher took his first defeat despite surrendering only one unearned run.

The series continues with a Belly Buster Wednesday presented by Marco’s Pizza. Starting at just $14, fans can enjoy all-you-can-eat hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorns, and Marco’s Pizza at the concession stands. It will also be a Wishful Wednesday presented by VyStar Credit Union. The Tortugas will partner with a deserving local charity to raise money and awareness for a worthy cause.

RHP Jason Parker (1-0, 3.14) is projected to take the mound for the ‘Tugas in an attempt to even the series. The Threshers are projected to counter with RHP Cristian Hernández (0-1, 2.08). Gates open at 6 p.m. with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET. Coverage on the Tortugas Radio Network and www.daytonatortugas.com will begin with the Pregame Show starting at 6:50 p.m. ET.

Season tickets, multi-game plans, group packages, and single-game tickets are currently available and can be purchased online at www.daytonatortugas.com or by calling the Tortugas’ Ticket Office at (386) 257-3172.

ABOUT THE DAYTONA TORTUGAS
The Daytona Tortugas are the Low-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of Minor League Baseball’s Low-A Southeast. The Tortugas play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in downtown Daytona Beach. Jackie Robinson Ballpark also plays host to Bethune-Cookman University, the Jackie Robinson Ballpark Museum, and many community events and initiatives of all sizes throughout the year.