Dodson's Near No-hitter Nominated for Minor League Game of the Year

BRADENTON – The Bradenton Marauders have received a nomination for the “Game of the Year” MiLBY Award, presented by MiLB.com. Bradenton’s 5-3 win over the Charlotte Stone Crabs on August 11, featuring seven no-hit innings pitched by Zack Dodson and a game-ending triple play started by a sliding catch by Willy Garcia, is the nominated game. Nominations are made by the MiLB.com editorial board, with winners chosen by fan voting. 

Dodson held the Stone Crabs hitless through seven innings for his finest start of the year. The southpaw struck out five and walked three before being lifted. Dodson was recognized as the Florida State League Pitcher of the Week for his effort.

Orlando Castro pitched a hitless eighth inning, sending the Marauders to the bottom of the ninth with a 5-0 lead. Charlotte rallied for three runs on three hits against Tyler Waldron, ruining the no-hitter and the shutout, and threatening to steal the win.

Robbie Kilcrease entered on the mound, and after a wild pitch moved the tying runs into scoring position, Jeff Malm lifted a fly into shallow right. Garcia made a sliding catch for the out, springing to his feet and doubling pinch runner Hector Guevara off second base. The Marauders then threw to third, where it was ruled that Shaffer left without tagging up for the final out of the game.

Fan voting for the MiLBY Awards will run through Tuesday, October 22. Voting is now open online at MiLB.com.