Clearwater bests Daytona, 9-6, in back-and-forth affair

CLEARWATER, Fla. - C Hendrik Clementina and CF Stuart Fairchild united for seven hits - three for extra-bases - and four runs batted in, but it was not enough. The Clearwater Threshers squeezed past the Daytona Tortugas, 9-6, on Saturday night at Spectrum Field.

The Threshers (12-17) jumped out to an early lead, scoring a pair in the first on a two-run home run to left by LF Matt Vierling (2-3, 2 R, HR, 4 RBI). In the third, the former Notre Dame standout added to their advantage with a sacrifice fly to right.
Down 3-0 after three, the Tortugas (14-15) tied it up in the fourth. Following a leadoff walk by 1B Bruce Yari (0-3, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 SO), Clementina (4-5, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI) slammed a deep drive to center field. The ball banged off the batter's eye screen in dead center for a two-run blast - his third of the year and second in as many days - to pull Daytona within one, 3-2. After loading the bases later in the inning on a pair of singles and a sacrifice bunt that Clearwater failed to record an out on, LF Randy Ventura (2-4, R, RBI) evened the contest up at three with a run-scoring fielder's choice.
In the fifth, the 'Tugas took the lead. Yari drew a free pass with one out and moved to second on a wild pitch. The 24-year-old then came across to score on a single to left by Clementina, giving Daytona a 4-3 advantage. After a single by RF Andy Sugilio (2-5, R) moved Clementina to third, Fairchild (3-4, 2 2B, RBI, SO) doubled down the left-field line. The Tortugas' catcher scored, as the visitors grabbed a 5-3 lead.
The time spent in the driver's seat was short, as Clearwater's offense re-emerged in the bottom of the inning. With second and third and nobody out, DH Madison Stokes (2-3, R, RBI, BB) cut the Threshers' deficit to just one with a run-producing ground out to second. Vierling then chased RHP Austin Orewiler (4.1 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, BB, SO) from the contest, as he tied the game at five with an RBI single to center. After the cleanup batter stole second base, 1B Jake Scheiner (1-4, R, HR, 2 RBI) clobbered a ball onto the berm in left-center field. The two-run clout - his first of the year - put Clearwater back in front, 7-5.
Daytona answered with a run in the top of the sixth on an RBI double to left by SS Jose Garcia (1-5, 2B, RBI, SO), but that was as close as they would get for the remainder of the contest.
The Threshers put the finishing touches on the game in the bottom of that inning. CF Simon Muzziotti (3-4, R, RBI) stretched the advantage to 8-6 with a sacrifice fly to left, while SS Nick Maton (1-4, R, SO) came home later in the frame on a wild pitch.
RHP Connor Brogdon (2.1 IP, 2 H, R, 3 SO) earned his second win of the year for Clearwater, yielding just one unearned run in relief. LHP Jonathan Hennigan (2.0 IP, H, BB, 3 SO) entered to record the final six outs for his fifth save of the campaign.
Orewiler suffered his third loss of the season for Daytona, issuing six runs in 4.1 innings. Threshers' RHP Julian Garcia (4.2 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 4 SO) gave up five runs in 4.2 innings, taking a no-decision in the contest.
Daytona will attempt to earn the series victory in tomorrow afternoon's rubber match. Former Florida Gator RHP Michael Byrne (1-1, 4.91 ERA) is projected to take the mound for the Tortugas in the finale. Clearwater has not yet named their starter for the matinee.
The Tortugas Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 12:45 p.m. ET, leading up to the 1:00 p.m. ET start at Spectrum Field. Sunday afternoon's game can be heard on daytonatortugas.com or via the TuneIn Radio and MiLB First Pitch apps.
Following the three-game road swing, the Tortugas will return to Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Monday, May 6 to open up a three-contest set against the Palm Beach Cardinals, High-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. It will be a Belly Buster Monday presented by Marco's Pizza. Starting as low as $13, fans can enjoy all-you-can-eat ballpark favorites such as hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, and popcorn included with their ticket price.
Season ticket and multi-game plans are still 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 High-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of the Florida State League. The Tortugas play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in downtown Daytona Beach, Fla. Jackie Robinson Ballpark also plays host to Bethune-Cookman University, the Beijing Shougang Eagles of National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) and many large community events and initiatives throughout the season.