Threshers Three Run Fifth Powers Them To Victory

Right-hander Julio Rodriguez won his sixth game in a row in Palm Beach Sunday (July 31), 3-2 over the Cardinals.

The 6'4" native of Puerto Rico allowed two runs on five hits, striking out six and as important as any statistic, he walked just the one Cardinal in six complete innings.

Rodriguez who turns 21 in late August leads the Florida State League in wins (14) and can be found in the top five of most of the top pitching statistic categories.

The Threshers did all their scoring in the fifth inning. After a lead off error, Jeremy Barnes and Darin Ruf slammed back to back doubles scoring two runs. Third baseman Travis Mattair's line drive single would knock in Ruf for the eventual winning run.

With Jonathan Singleton no longer a Thresher, Darin Ruf takes over the everyday first base position. Ruf's double Sunday gives him 34 on the season, best in the FSL. The Creighton graduate also singled twice and upped his batting average to .310.

On Deck: Clearwater completes their four game series with the Cardinals on Monday (August 1) before returning home Tuesday to host the visiting Tampa Yankees. The Threshers are in the home stretch of the schedule. Their remaining 33 games will all be played against their division rivals. The Yankees presently hold a two game lead over them.

Need to Know: Former 2011 Threshers pitchers played a major role in the AA Reading game on Saturday night in New Hampshire.

Tyler Cloyd had another outstanding start against the top team in the Eastern League. Cloyd who spent a great deal of time as a Thresher middle relief pitcher allowed only one run on four hits in five complete innings.

Justin Friend saved 19 games in a closing role for Clearwater prior to being called up before the FSL All-Star Game. He is attempting to fill the same role in AA. Entering the game in the final inning he walked his first batter and then gave up back to back singles which tied the contest. The Oklahoma State alum then proceeded to balk in the winning run.