Brevard Manatees Win Against Marauders in First of Series

VIERA – The Marauders (30-29) dropped the first game of a four game set against the Brevard County Manatees (30-29) 3-1 on Wednesday night at Space Coast Stadium. John Kuchno (L, 3-5) turned in his second straight seven inning start, surrendering three runs on six hits while walking two and striking out a pair as well.

The Marauders started the scoring in the first. Jeff Roy walked on a 3-2 pitch from Austin Ross (W, 5-0), stole second, went to third on Max Moroff’s ground out, and scored on a passed ball by Parker Berberet. Ross struck out the final two batters of the inning and went on to strike out seven in the game without allowing another run.

Brevard County scored twice in the home half of the first to take the lead for good. Nathan Orf led off with a single and promptly scored on a one-out double to left field by Tyrone Taylor. Taylor was plated by Nicky Delmonico’s single to center.

Bradenton’s best shot to even the score came in the fifth inning. Trailing 2-1, Jin-De Jhang led off with a single to left for the Marauders’ first hit. Eric Wood followed with a single to put two aboard. Taylor Lewis bunted both men into scoring position. Roy followed with a high chop to first, and Garrett Cooper was able to throw home and catch Jhang in a run down for the second out. Moroff struck out swinging to end the inning.

Victor Roache led off the Brevard County seventh with a single, went to third on Garrett Cooper’s double, and score on Yadiel Rivera’s ground out for the final run of the game. Mike Strong and Kevin Shackleford (S, 2) held Bradenton off the board over the final three innings. Shackleford recorded the final six outs for the save.

Bryton Trepagnier pitched one scoreless inning out of the Bradenton bullpen.

The second game of the series is Thursday night at 6:35 p.m. Orlando Castro will be on the hill for the Marauders against Damien Magnifico for the Manatees. The game will be broadcast online at www.BradentonMarauders.com.

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

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