MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com-CLEARWATER – In a game that featured 15 walks and six hit batters, the Daytona Cubs (29-37, 63-70) pulled out a 7-6 win against the Clearwater Threshers (34-34, 66-68), as both teams opened up the final series of the 2009 season. The win also pulled the Cubs to within two games of Clearwater in the season series.

Cubs starter Rafael Dolis (3-9) struggled early and often and it turned into three runs in the bottom of the first inning for Clearwater.  Dolis beaned right fielder Gus Milner to start off the frame and then surrendered a double to straight-away center field off the bat of Cody Overbeck. Milner came into score on the play to give Clearwater an early lead. Matt Rizzotti followed with a single and Mike Durant brought in Overbeck with a sacrifice fly. The final run of the inning came home on a single down the first base line by second baseman Yonderman Rodriguez.

Daytona answered in the top of the second with two runs. Designated hitter Jericho Jones came through with a clutch, two-out hit to score both runs.  Catcher Mark Reed and right fielder Kevin Soto both came into score.
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Clearwater extended their lead to 6-2 with three more runs in the bottom of the fourth. Dolis walked the leadoff batter and was promptly taken out of the ball game by manager Buddy Bailey. The problems did not end as Dan McDaniel came into the game for Daytona. The Oakland native hit the first batter he faced and then walked the next to load the bases for Gus Milner. The right fielder chopped one into right field to score the first of the three runs. The final two runs of the inning came in on a fielder’s choice and a wild pitch.

Daytona put up two runs in the top of the fifth inning to keep it interesting. Jericho Jones walked to lead off the frame and then was pushed to third as Tony Campana doubled to the wall. Jones scored on a groundout and Campana was brought home on a sac fly.

The Cubs were given the lead in the top of the sixth inning.  Relief pitcher Jordan Ellis walked four straight batters with two outs to bring in the first run. Hot-hitting Jake Opitz then singled through the right side to bring in two.

Daytona got two insurance runs in the eighth inning. Samson began the frame with a single to right. An error, wild pitch, hit batter, and two walks later, the D-Cubs took a three-run advantage.

The Cubs and Threshers will continue the series with game two Saturday night beginning at 6:30 p.m. Craig Muschko will face off against fellow righty Edgar Garcia. To listen in, tune your radio to AM1340 WROD or go online to www.daytonacubs.com.

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