Threshers trounce Tortugas in finale, 8-0

CLEARWATER, Fla. —After avoiding being shut out for the first 32 games, the record-long streak without one to start a season in the Tortugas' era came to a close in the series finale. Clearwater clubbed three solo home runs in the second inning and never looked back, as the Threshers blanked Daytona, 8-0, on Sunday afternoon at BayCare Ballpark.

Scoreless into the second, Clearwater (18-12) opened the frame with a loud thud. On a 3-1 pitch to the leadoff hitter, LF Marcus Lee Sang (1-4, R, HR, RBI, SO) sliced a line drive over the left-field fence for a solo home run. Lee Sang's second of the year put the Threshers up 1-0.

C Anthony Quirion (1-4, R, HR, RBI, SO) followed and pummeled a 2-0 offering into the bullpen in left-center field for another solo shot. The native of Canada's second home run in as many days — and second of the campaign — doubled Clearwater's lead to 2-0.

After a ground out, DH Jamari Baylor (1-3, R, HR, RBI, BB, SO) punched the first pitch he saw onto the berm in right field for the Phillies' affiliate's third solo blast of the inning. Baylor's second of the season made it a 3-0 advantage for the Threshers.

A two-out rally for the home squad tacked on to the lead in the fourth. 2B Alexeis Azuaje (3-4, 2 R, 2 2B, SO) ripped a single to start the attack and CF Yhoswar García (1-5, R) snuck aboard with an infield hit. 3B Hao Yu Lee (3-5, R, 2B, HR, 4 RBI, SO) then slapped a ball into left for a single. Azuaje scored on the hit, while García came around from first to cross on a throwing error from the outfield, putting Clearwater in charge, 5-0.

One last long ball capped the scoring in the sixth. SS Erick Brito (2-4, R) picked up a knock, and Azuaje was subsequently plunked on an 0-2 pitch. After a fly ball to center, Lee came up and uncorked a rocket over the fence in right-center for a three-run blast. The 19-year-old's fourth home run of the series — and fifth of the campaign — put the Threshers firmly in front, 8-0.

Daytona's (13-20) best opportunity to score came in the top of the seventh. 2B Braylin Minier (1-3, 2B, BB) popped a one-out double to left and advanced to third on a ground out. A fly out to center field ended the rally.

LHP Matt Osterberg (3.0 IP, H, BB, 4 SO) did not factor into the decision for the Threshers after hurling three shutout innings. RHP Kyle Glogoski (2.0 IP, 3 BB, 4 SO) entered in support to make his season debut. The native of Auckland, New Zealand, posted two scoreless frames for his first win of 2022.

Tortugas RHP Julian Aguiar (4.0 IP, 10 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 SO) battled through four innings but suffered his third loss of the season.

Following Monday's league-wide off day, 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.

Neither squad has announced a probable for Tuesday's lid-lifter. Coverage on the Tortugas Radio Network will begin on the MiLB First Pitch app and www.daytonatortugas.com at 6:50 p.m. leading up to the 7:05 p.m. first pitch from Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

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.