Bradenton Marauders Drop Ball in 5-4 Setback

BRADENTON -- The Bradenton Marauders, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, dropped a late 5-4 decision to the Dunedin Blue Jays Thursday at McKechnie Field.

Tied at four with two outs in the top of the ninth, Justin Jackson hit what looked like the last out of the inning, bouncing a ball back to the mound, gloved by the pitcher Diego Moreno. His throw to first, however, was dropped by Aaron Baker and the inning lived on. On the next pitch Kevin Ahrens doubled to the centerfield wall, driving in Dunedin's fifth run and winning the game. Bradenton went 1-2-3 in the bottom of the ninth for Wes Etherege's 12th save.

It was the Marauders that got the scoring going Thursday. Robbie Grossman took a leadoff walk in the first and scored three batters later for a 1-0 advantage. Bradenton used homeruns in the fourth and fifth to add to that total. Baker jacked his fifth shot of the year to begin the fourth while Grossman hit his third immediately following a Bengie Gonzalez triple in the fifth.

Dunedin's offense worked slowly but consistently, plating a run in each the third, fourth, fifth and sixth innings. Ahrens finished with two doubles and an RBI.

Brett Lorin made the start for the Marauders filling in for the injured Jeff Inman and Kyle McPherson, who was pushed back a day to Friday night. He lasted four and two thirds in his first start since April 20th. He allowed just two earned runs.

The Marauders and Blue Jays continue their four game series Friday at McKechnie Field. First pitch is at 7pm with radio coverage at 6:45 on 1280-AM WTMY. It's Marty the Marauder's birthday celebration at McKechnie Field. For more information call 941-747-3031 or visit BradentonMarauders.com.