Clearwater (21-23) lost to Charlotte, 9-3. 

Game One: Colton Eastman (1-2, 3.05) pitched six innings.  He gave up four runs on seven hits and a walk.  He struck out eight.  He was the victim of two home run balls that accounted for three of the Tortugas’ runs. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/20/2019 →

Clearwater (20-22) lost to Charlotte, 9-3. 

All nine runs given up by Threshers’ pitchers came on 5 HR.  Damon Jones (1-3, 1.80) was victimized by 3 of them.  He went 4.2 innings, gave up 5 runs on 7 hits, walked two, and struck out seven.  Luis Cedeno (3.18) gave a solo shot in 2.1 innings.  He walked one and struck out two.  And, Zach Warren (4.15) gave up a 3-run shot in the ninth.  His line was 2.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/19/2019 →

Clearwater (20-21) beat Charlotte, 7-4. 

Ethan Evanko (1-0, 2.38) came up big for the Threshers last night.  In what was probably a bull pen game, Evanko threw five innings for the home team.  He needed just 54 pitches (36 strikes, (66.7%).  He allowed one hit, no runs, walked two, and struck out three. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/18/2019 →

Recently, there was a discussion regarding fastball velocity in the Comments Section.  I have long avoided posturing on one side or the other.  I have often been concerned for the young men I meet at the Complex who either don’t have or don’t develop fastball velocity above 90 mph.  I’ve listened to both sides.  How low velocity is a tough thing to overcome.  And how pitchers like Maddox, Glavine, Moyer, and a few others past and present were/are able to get by with low-velo fastballs.

Well, tonight I saw an example of why velocity is very important.  Our pitcher threw strikes. A lot of strikes.  And he got pounded.  He’s reputed to have decent command, but a sub 90s fastball. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/17/2019 →

All four Affiliates won last night.  Second time that has happened this season.  Before I go into the recaps, though, let me mention one thing I forgot in yesterday’s “ramble”.  It’s probably a big reason for some of the perceived hitting problems.  I didn’t think it should be, so I’ve overlooked it.  But, after further thought, let me offer it up for you to consider. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/16/2019 →

Judging by the tone of comments lately, I think it bears repeating that the minor leagues are about development, not game outcomes.  More so at Reading than at Lehigh Valley which is essentially spare parts for the big league club.  As you move down each level, you can expect there to be more concern with development. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/15/2019 →

Clearwater (18-19) remained “hot” and beat Lakeland, 6-3, for their sixth straight win.  The Threshers took over sole possession of third place and picked up another half game on rained out Dunedin whom they now trail by 2.5 games. Dunedin hasn’t played a game since being swept last Thursday thru Saturday by the Threshers.

Colton Eastman (1-1, 1.84) battled for three innings.  When the Threshers gave him a lead, he completely shut down the Tigers. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/14/2019 →

Clearwater (17-19) beat Lakeland, 7-4.  And, it wasn’t even that close.  The Threshers moved into a tie for third place, 3.0 games behind rained out Dunedin.

Damon Jones (1-2, 0.76) who has allowed 3 ER (6 total runs) in 35.1 innings this season, finally got his first Clearwater victory.  He held the Tigers to 4 singles (one an infield hit), an unearned run, one walk, and struck out a career-tying 9 batters.  He threw 86 pitches, 56 strikes (65.1%).  His fastball was virtually unhittable as the Tigers were late on most swings. His curve ball froze batters when they weren’t flailing weakly at it. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/13/2019 →

No games played on Sunday, one scheduled off day and 3 postponements.

So, here’s some individual stats from each team. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/12/2019 →

Clearwater (16-19) beat Dunedin, 9-3.

The Threshers swept Dunedin, tightened the North Division, and moved to within 3.5 games of first place.  The Threshers exploded for 9 runs and 19 hits on the road at Jack Russell Stadium.  To give you an idea of the potency displayed last night, the Threshers out-scored and out-hit ALL of their brother affiliates (5 runs, 17 hits) who all played in front of their home crowds, and lost. Continue reading Threshers Recap – 5/11/2019 →