Threshers trample Tortugas, 9-5

CLEARWATER, Fla. — After erasing a four-run deficit in the ninth on Friday, Daytona erased 3-0 and 4-3 deficits early on Saturday night. However, like the night prior, Clearwater's offense was too much to overcome, as the Threshers held off the Tortugas, 9-5, at BayCare Ballpark.

Clearwater (17-12) wasted no time in taking the lead. The first two batters of the home first — DH Alexeis Azuaje (2-5, 2 R, HR, RBI, SO) and CF Yhoswar García (1-4, R) — reached on first pitch singles. On a 2-0 offering, 3B Hao Yu Lee (1-3, R, HR, 3 RBI, BB) uncorked a line drive that snuck onto the berm in right for a three-run home run. Lee's third long ball of the series and fourth of the year put the Threshers ahead 3-0.

RHP Andrew Painter (3.2 IP, H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO) — Clearwater's Saturday starter and 2021 first-round pick — had not permitted an earned run in the first 29.0 innings of his pro career. Daytona (13-19) changed that in the fourth.

The Tortugas managed to load the bases with one out on a SS Gus Steiger (1-2, R, SO) single and walks to CF Jay Allen II (0-3, 2 R, BB, SO) and DH Jamal O'Guinn (0-3, R, BB, 2 SO). 1B Michel Triana (0-2, R, RBI, BB, SO) was plunked with the bags full to force home a run and put Daytona on the board, 3-1.

After a strikeout and a pitching change, 2B-SS Steven Leyton (1-3, 2 RBI, BB) came through. The León, Nicaragua native smacked a line drive up the middle for a single. Allen and O'Guinn scored on the base-hit to tie the game at three.

The Threshers promptly jumped back in front, 4-3, in the bottom of the fourth inning on a solo home run into the left-field bullpen by C Anthony Quirion (2-4, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI), his first of the season. Daytona knotted it a four in the sixth, as Triana walked, stole second, advanced to third on a ground out, and scored on a wild pitch.

In the bottom of the sixth, Clearwater took the lead for good. RF Marcus Lee Sang (1-4, R, 3B, 2 SO) whipped a triple into the gap in right-center field and quickly came home on a looping single to right from Quirion. 1B Micah Yonamine (2-3, R, HR, 2 RBI, BB, SO) followed with a two-run shot that sailed off the concrete wall beyond the right-field berm. Yonamine's first home run of the campaign put the Threshers back up three, 7-4.

An inning later, Azuaje led off the frame with another rocket to left. After the ball snuck under the glove of the diving left fielder, Clearwater's designated hitter chugged all the way around the bases for an inside-the-park home run as the ball rolled to the wall in left-center. Azuaje's first homer of the year gave the Threshers a four-run cushion, 8-4.

Allen created the Tortugas' last run in the eighth. The 19-year-old walked, reached on a fielding error, took second on a balk, scooted to third on a passed ball, and scored on a dropped third-strike wild pitch.

Clearwater scored their final run in the eighth, as well. 2B Jamari Baylor (0-4, R) reached on a two-base error, moved to third on a wild offering, and was granted home on a balk.

Neither starter — a pair of 2021 first-round selections and University of Florida commits — factored in the decision on Saturday. Painter (3.2 IP, H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO) yielded the first three earned runs of his career for the Threshers. Tortugas RHP Chase Petty (4.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, BB, 4 SO) matched a career-best with four strikeouts in his effort.

Despite suffering a blown save, Clearwater's RHP Malik Binns (1.0 IP, R, ER, 2 BB, 2 SO) was granted his second win of the set and fourth of the year in relief. RHP Arij Fransen (3.0 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, BB) was saddled with his second defeat out of the bullpen for Daytona.

The Tortugas will look to salvage the final game of the series on Sunday. RHP Julian Aguiar (2-2, 2.45) — who earned the win in relief on Tuesday — is anticipated to make the start for Daytona. Clearwater is scheduled to give the ball to LHP Matt Osterberg (0-2, 3.86). Coverage on the Tortugas Radio Network will begin on the MiLB First Pitch app and www.daytonatortugas.com at 11:45 a.m. leading up to the 12:00 p.m. first pitch from BayCare Ballpark.

After the six-game road swing, the Tortugas will return to Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Tuesday, May 17, to open up a series against the Dunedin Blue Jays, the Florida State League affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. It will be a Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Radiology Associates Imaging. The Tortugas will don special pink-clad uniforms that will be auctioned off at the end of the season with all proceeds to raise money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. It is also a Silver Sluggers Night by Conviva, featuring special team store and concession stand deals for members, plus more. The series opener features Taco Tuesday with options at the concession stands starting at just $3.

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 Single-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of Minor League Baseball’s 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 Jackie Robinson Ballpark Museum, and many community events and initiatives of all sizes throughout the year.