Bradenton Defeats Brevard County 5-3

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BRADENTON – The Marauders (61-50, 26-16) rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the eighth inning, knotting the score 3-3 before walking off on Justin Howard’s two-run home run in the ninth to defeat Brevard County (56-49, 20-19) 5-3 on Sunday night at McKechnie Field. Howard entered the game as a defensive replacement in the top of the ninth and homered on the first pitch he saw from Chad Pierce (L, 3-6). The win puts Bradenton in sole possession of first place in the Florida State League South Division.

The Manatees never trailed until the final score. Shane Carle started for Bradenton and allowed an unearned in the top of the fourth inning.  The lead grew to 2-0 when Carle hit Victor Roache with the bases loaded in the fifth.

Manatees starter Hobbs Johnson limited the Marauders to one run over seven innings. Jordan Steranka tagged Johnson for a run-scoring single in the bottom of the sixth.

Bradenton’s game-tying rally started with a one-out walk to Walker Gourley issued by Martin Viramontes. Jose Osuna extended his hitting streak to 13 games by doubling to the left field corner to plate Gourley and get the Marauders within a run. Steranka struck out, but Eric Wood punched a two-out single to center to bring home Osuna.

Tyler Sample pitched two innings and allowed one run for the Marauders. Jhondaniel Medina (W, 3-0) tossed a scoreless ninth to earn the win. Pierce surrendered a one-out walk to Jin-De Jhang before the home run by Howard.

The Marauders go for the series victory Monday at 6:30 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Chad Kuhl tries for his 12^th win of the season. Damien Magnifico will be on the hill for the Manatees.

The box score for Sunday's game can be seen here; the Play-by-Play review can be viewed here.