PORT ST LUCIE, FL – The Bradenton Marauders (30-43, 4-1) rode a big day at the plate from Willy Garcia to a 6-4 win over the Mets (39-33) in 12 innings at Tradition Field on Monday night. Garcia went 6-for-6 with a home run off Randy Fontanez (L, 5-6) in the top of the 12th to break a 4-4 tie and move the Marauders into sole possession of first place in the Florida State League South second half standings.
Garcia’s six hits are the most ever by a Marauder in a single game, exceeding Alex Dickerson’s two five-hit performances. Garcia had four singles, two of them infield hits, a third-inning double, and his decisive home run. He scored two runs and had a pair of RBI.
The Marauders led 4-2 into the eighth inning, but Dustin Lawley connected for his fifth home run against the Marauders and 15th total homer of the season. The two-run shot off Emmanuel De Leon knotted the score. Each team had the potential go-ahead run on base in each inning until Garcia’s homer, and the Mets put the tying runs in scoring position before Joan Montero closed the game out for his second save.
Stetson Allie went 3-for-5 with three singles and two runs scored. Alen Hanson doubled in the first inning and scored on a groundout by Dan Gamache. Gamache went 0-for-6, but his RBI gave him the team lead with 31 this season.
Robbie Kilcrease (W, 3-1) pitched two scoreless innings to get the win. Zach Dodson started the game and allowed two runs over six innings, striking out two.
The win gives the Marauders their first series victory at Tradition field of the season. The Marauders have won three straight games for the first time since May 22-24.
The final game of the series will be played Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m. Matt Benedict will start for the Marauders against Rainy Lara of the Mets.