Marauder Bats Explode in Fourth for 8-1 Win

DUNEDIN – The Bradenton Marauders, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, secured a series victory over the Dunedin Blue Jays Friday, winning 8-1 at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium.  The Marauders go for the sweep at 6pm Saturday.

Dunedin struck first, scoring off Marauders starter Jhonathan Ramos in the second inning.  Ivan Contreras, playing his first game of the series, doubled just inside the third base bag to score the previously walked Ryan Goins.  That was the last time the Blue Jays would touch home.

The Marauders waited until the fourth to pounce, biding their time against the Major League rehabbing Dustin McGowan.  The righty pitched the first two and two thirds innings, allowing one hit and striking out three.  Ryan Tepera replaced McGowan, striking out the final out in the third.  In the fourth he allowed five runs while seven consecutive Marauders reached.

The fourth inning attack began with a single up the origin from Aaron Baker.  Elevys Gonzalez then bunted for a hit to put two men on before Evan Chambers singled to score Baker.  Adalberto Santos followed that with a double down the line to plate another run.  Carlos Paulino then grounded into a fielder’s choice and Bengie Gonzalez walked to load the bases.  With a full count against him, Robbie Grossman promptly unloaded the bases with a triple to make it 5-1.

Offense abound continued into the fifth when Aaron Baker launched his 13th homerun of the season, an opposite field shot to left for a 6-1 lead.  Elevys Gonzalez then doubled before a Chambers triple to make it 7-1.  The Marauders would add on a final run with a Grossman homer in the ninth.

Ramos earned the win with the loss going to Tepera.  Jason Erickson and Diego Moreno pitched four innings of hitless Marauders relief.  The start for Ramos was his first of the season and just the seventh of his career.

Bradenton goes for the sweep Saturday at 6pm at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium.  Nathan Baker throws for the Marauders, looking for their second four-game sweep of the season.  Radio coverage begins at 5:45 on 1280-AM WTMY.  For more information visit BradentonMarauders.com.