perfect 10's

Both the Lakewood BlueClaws and Clearwater Threshers racked up 10 runs on opening night, and both squad took road victories as a reward.

The BlueClaws started early, riding the wave of an 8-run top of the first inning to a 10-7 win over Asheville. Nicholas Hernandez was the starter and winning pitcher, going 6 innings, and while allowing 6 runs, only 2 were earned. He had NO walks (a stat I absolutely love) and struck out 8. Siuman Lebron was impressive, striking out 3 in 2 innings, and Eric Massingham recorded the final 3 outs. Jeremy Barnes had 3 hits, including 2 doubles, and scored 2 runs, and Darin Ruf was 2 for 3, including a 3-run homer in the 8 run explosion, and an RBI double in the 9th. Jiwan James had a single, a double, 2 RBI and scored a run, Jonathan Villar added 2 singles, a stolen base, and 2 runs scored, and Adam Buschini chipped in with a double, 3 walks, a stolen base and a run scored.

The BlueClaws had 12 hits, but the Threshers tallied 16 in their 10-2 trouncing of the Dunedin Blue Jays. Leading the attack was Matt Rizzotti, who was 3 for 4 with a walk, a home run, and 3 runs scored. Troy Hanzawa also had 3 hits, including a double, 2 RBI and 3 runs scored. Brian Gump (single, double, 2 RBI), Steve Susdorf (2 hits, 2 walks), Jim Murphy (2 singles, RBI, run), and Fidel Hernandez (single, double, 4 RBI) all added to the relentless attack.

Lost in the noise of the hitting, was a nice effort from Austin Hyatt. After allowing Phillies J.C. Romero to throw the first inning, Hyatt settled in to toss 6 strong frames. 2 runs on just 2 hits and 1 walk, while striking out 7. The only damage was done by Travis d'Arnaud, who hit a 2-run shot off Hyatt in the Dunedin 7th. Tyson Brummett, also on a rehab assignment, threw the final 2 innings without incident.