D-Jays Are Headed To the Playoffs

Kevin Ahrens' two-out double plated the go-ahead runs in a crucial D-Jays doubleheader against Clearwater Friday.

Ahrens' double helped the Jays win the nightcap 4-2 Friday, and advanced them into the Florida State League playoffs.

Clearwater out-hit the D-Jays nine to three, but the Jays were able to score four of out of five times that the Threshers pitchers walked them.

Ryan Tepera picked up his 11th win in game No. 1. He worked five and two-thirds innings and allowed a lone run on four hits.

Dunedin scored all the runs they needed in the first inning on three singles and a double from first baseman Jon Talley.

On Deck: The Jays and Threshers will play game No. 3 of the split series today (Sept. 3) at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium before the teams shift to Bright House Field in Clearwater for a 1 p.m. start Sunday.

Dunedin's opponent in the first round of the playoffs is the Daytona Cubs. Game No. 1 is set for Tuesday (Sept. 6) in Dunedin, games No. 2 and 3 if needed, will move to Daytona on Wednesday and Thursday.

Notes: The Florida State League announced its 2011 All-Star team. On it are two D-Jays pitchers — Nestor Molina and Wes Etheridge — and two D-Jays positional players — Brad Glenn and A.J. Jiminez.

• Both Molina and Etheridge are now pitching in Double-A New Hampshire. Molina, 22, recorded 10 wins in 18 starts, with a 2.58 ERA. Reliever Etheridge set a D-Jays team record with 32 successful saves in 32 attempts.
• FSL home run leader Glenn was chosen for an outfield position and Jimenez shares the All-Star catcher honor with Clearwater's Sebastian Valle.