Bradenton Marauders Drop Pitching Duel, 1-0

BRADENTON – The Bradenton Marauders, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, fell in a pitcher’s duel Sunday, 1-0, at McKechnie Field.

The star of the day was Clearwater starter Jarred Cosart.  The righthander retired the first 18 batters he faced and carried a perfect game into the bottom of the seventh inning.  Robbie Grossman, a childhood teammate of Cosart, broke up the perfecto with a line-drive single past the dive of shortstop Troy Hanzawa to lead off the frame.  Two batters later Cosart walked Ramon Cabrera, but no other Marauders would reach.

As for Bradenton, with Jeff Inman going only two innings in his start, Jonathan Ramos and Porfirio Lopez were sterling in relief.  The lefties combined to throw seven shutout innings, allowing only three hits, all singles.  Ramos went a season-best four innings, striking out six batters while Lopez forced two double plays in three frames.

A headline at the start of the game, but pushed to the back burner because of the evening’s pitching, Chase Utley played second base for Clearwater.  The five time National League all-star is on Major League rehab.  Utley went 0-4 Sunday night, struck out twice by Ramos.

The win went to Cosart, his fourth, while Inman suffered his second loss.  Justin Friend earned his 14th save of the season.

Bradenton and Clearwater continue their four game series Monday at McKechnie Field.  Phillip Irwin takes the ball against Jonathan Pettibone at 7pm.  Radio coverage starts at 6:45 on 1280-AM WTMY.  For ticketing information call 941-747-3031 or visit online at BradentonMarauders.com.