Threshers Win On Hernandez Clutch Single

The Clearwater Threshers (15-16) made it five in a row thanks to a dramatic two run single from second baseman Cesar Hernandez.

Trailing 4-3 to the Bradenton Marauders (18-14) entering the eighth inning, the diminutive 21 year old found a hole up the middle scoring Sebastian Valle (who had singled earlier) and Brandon Tripp for the eventual winning run.

Hernandez who stands 5'10" and weighs 160 pounds is small compared to his fellow teammates. As a scout pointed out, "there are very few of his size in the major league locker rooms today."

Jonathan Pettibone delivered a solid start for the Threshers, going six innings, allowing two runs on five hits.

On Deck: The Threshers go for six in row on Tuesday against the Marauders (Pirates) at 7 p.m. at . The Florida State League's leader in wins, Julio Rodriguez (12), gets the start for Threshers. The 20-year old is coming off a fantastic performance in his last outing where he gave up just one earned in seven complete innings against the Ft. Myers Miracle.

Need to Know: Darin Ruf connected on homers 10 and 11 Sunday and Monday to go along with his league leading 33 doubles.

Ruf in his previous two seasons in pro ball had only 12 combined. The 24 year old hit 27 homers in his four year college career at Creighton.

It is obvious that some of those line drives that used to go for singles and doubles are now flying over the fences.

Threshers lead off hitter Jiwan James made it four consecutive games in which he has a base hit in his first at bat. Included in the four are two doubles and a triple.

The GC Phillies defeated the GC Pirates 3-0, behind the seven innings of two hit ball by Ethan Stewart.The 20 year old New Mexico College alum was selected by the Phillies in the 47th round of the First-Year Player Draft.