Marauders Come from Behind for Third Straight Win

BRADENTON -- The Bradenton Marauders (5-12) rallied from a three-run deficit for the third straight day, plating four runs in the bottom of the ninth to defeat the Jupiter Hammerheads (4-13) 4-3 on Sunday at McKechnie Field. Zac Fuesser (W, 1-1) earned the win for Bradenton with two perfect innings of relief.

photo by secondshotphoto.com

Trailing 3-0 in the bottom of the ninth, Jose Osuna walked on four pitches against Kevin Cravey (L, 1-1). Willy Garcia followed with a single to left, followed by Carlos Mesa smashing an RBI-single to center. An errant throw after Mesa’s single allowed him to advance to scoring position.

Jacob Stallings followed with a hit to plate Garcia, and Stallings also moved to second on the throw to the plate. Chris Lashmet was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Jupiter finally recorded an out, forcing out Mesa at the plate on a grounder to first by Taylor Lewis, but Alen Hanson ripped the next pitch into the right-center gap for a game-winning double.

For the second time in five games, the Marauders faced lefty Justin Nicolino, and once again Nicolino flustered the Marauders with five scoreless innings. Hanson had three of the six hits allowed by the Jupiter starter. The Marauders shortstop finished the game 4-for-5. Dan Gamache and Mesa also had multi-hit games.

Robby Rowland started for the Marauders. He struck out five while allowing three runs over 4 and 2/3 innings. Ryan Rieger hit two solo home runs off Rowland.

The Marauders and Hammerheads square off again Monday night at McKechnie Field. Nick Kingham will be on the mound for Bradenton against Josh Hodges for Jupiter. First pitch is at 6:30 p.m. with gates opening at 5:30 p.m.