Saltiban and Nori Shine as Threshers Blank Mighty Mussels 7-0!

BayCare Ballpark, Clearwater, FL, USA - The Clearwater Threshers made a resounding statement by defeating the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels 7-0 in the series finale at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, FL. This victory marked Clearwater’s fourth shutout win of the season and brought their overall record to 44-42, while the Mighty Mussels fell to 36-49. In a game filled with standout performances, Adilson Peralta pitched effectively, earning his third win of the season with a 3.98 ERA. Meanwhile, Michael Ross took the loss for Fort Myers, now holding a 3.88 ERA.

Devin Saltiban, back in Clearwater’s lineup, lit up the field with three hits, including a notable three-run home run in the fourth inning, which extended the Threshers‘ lead to 4-0. Saltiban’s big night brings him to 18 home runs as a Thresher and his impressive fourth game with three hits this season. Also shining was Dante Nori, who hit a two-run home run in the sixth, solidifying the game’s outcome and highlighting his success—multiple home runs in a single series being a first in his professional career.

A Day to Remember

It was a day full of action, with Juan Villavicencio performing multiple feats on the bases. He walked, stole second, and ultimately scored on Kodey Shojinaga’s single in the second inning. Villavicencio continued to showcase his skills by scoring again in the fifth inning after a groundout by Shojinaga—making it 5-0 for Clearwater.

The Threshers‘ bullpen was put to the test late in the game. Even while loading the bases in the bottom of the ninth, they successfully secured the shutout, thanks to solid performances from Juan Amarante, who pitched 4.2 shutout innings, alongside Peralta, Luis Avila, Titan Kennedy-Hayes, and Danyony Pulido. It’s no wonder that under the stewardship of manager Marty Malloy, the Threshers are shaping up nicely.

Looking Back and Ahead

Reflecting on prior performances, the Clearwater Threshers wrapped up the 2024 season with a record of 64 wins and 63 losses, positioning them fourth in the Florida State League’s West Division. They scored a total of 615 runs while allowing 593. Saltiban had quite the season, leading the team with 17 home runs and 53 RBIs while sporting a batting average of .237. Notably, several players from that season have made their way into Major League Baseball, including Rodolfo Castro and Taijuan Walker, showcasing the talent development within the Threshers organization.

As the Threshers gear up for the upcoming games, they will enjoy a week off for the All-Star Break before their next matchup against the Lakeland Flying Tigers on July 18. With their current momentum and strong team performance, fans are eager to see what’s next for Clearwater.

In the fast-paced world of baseball, where statistics and historical performances tell their own stories, it’s clear that the Clearwater Threshers are not just playing the game; they’re building a solid foundation for future success and making their mark in the league. For those interested in the depth of minor league statistics, StatsCrew provides a comprehensive look into their records and achievements, while Baseball Reference offers a detailed view of team history and player contributions.