Down 6 Runs, Marauders Rally to Beat Clearwater 8-7

CLEARWATER - The Bradenton Marauders erased a 7-1 Threshers lead, surging back to win 8-7 on Tuesday night at Bright House Field in Clearwater. Alen Hanson’s home run leading off the top of the ninth inning broke a 7-7 tie to put Bradenton up.

An expected pitcher’s duel unraveled early. Jose Osuna put the Marauders on top 1-0 in the top of the first with an RBI-infield single off Perci Garner. Marauders starter Nick Kingham stumbled out of the gate though, retiring only two batters before being lifted. The Thresher’s led 4-1 after the first.

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Clearwater’s lead grew against Cesar Lopez. The Threshers tacked on two runs to lead 6-1. Another run came in for Clearwater in the third with Jhondaniel Medina on the hill,  stretching the lead to 7-1. It would be the final tally of the game for the home team.

The Marauders took full advantage of a Thresher’s defensive lapse to plate five unearned runs against Garner in the fourth inning, cutting the Clearwater lead to one.

Garner pitched 5 and 2/3 innings to leave with a 7-6 lead, but it didn’t last long after his exit. The Marauders put runners at the corners against Ryan O’Sullivan in the seventh. The tying run scored on a Dan Grovatt double-play grounder.

Luis Garcia (L, 0-1) took over on the mound in the top of the ninth. Hanson hammered his first pitch down the right field line for what proved to be the winning run. Hanson scored three runs in the game. Benji Gonzalez was another key cog for the offense, tallying four hits.

Zac Fuesser (W 2-1) pitched four scoreless innings for the Marauders for the win. Emmanuel De Leon pitched a perfect ninth for his third save.

The Marauders and Threshers play the third game of the series Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m. Eliecer Navarro will start for Bradenton. Ethan Stewart will be on the hill for Clearwater.