Marauders Drop Playoff Opener

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BRADENTON –  The Marauders dropped the first game of the Florida State League South Division Series on Tuesday night at McKechnie Field 8-7 against the Fort Myers Miracle. Bradenton scored seven runs in the bottom of the second inning but did not score against as the Miracle rallied for the final five runs of the game. The Marauders must beat the Miracle on Wednesday in Fort Myers to extend the series to a decisive third game.

Tyler Glasnow started on the mound for the Marauders and started out at a historic pace. Eight of his first nine outs recorded were by strikeout, topping the previous number of strikeouts in a single postseason game by a Bradenton pitcher after just three innings. Glasnow struggled in the second, however, surrendering three runs on two walks and two doubles to spot the Miracle a 3-0 lead.

Bradenton exploded in the second inning. The Marauders capitalized on three Miracle errors to score seven runs on four hits. Jacob Stallings opened the onslaught with a two-run double. Jordan Steranka plated three runs with a bases loaded double to chase Miracle starter Brett Lee. When the dust settled Bradenton led 7-3.

Glasnow held the lead until the fourth, when he started the inning with three six-pitch walks to load the bases. Glasnow was lifted for Jhondaniel Medina. Medina, who had not surrendered a home run in the regular season, allowed a grand slam on the first pitch to Jason Kanzler. The blast tied the score 7-7. Kanzler drove in six runs in the game.

Fort Myers struck again in the sixth after a 58 minute rain delay. Travis Harrison doubled off Joan Montero (L, 0-1), then scored on Dalton Hicks’ single.

Five Miracle relievers combined to hold the Marauders scoreless on two hits over the final 7 1/3 innings. Todd Van Steensel earned the win. Zack Jones picked up the save.

Game two of the series is at 7:05 p.m. at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers. Shane Carle will start for the Marauders. D.J. Baxendale will be on the hill for the Miracle. The game will be broadcast online at www.BradentonMarauders.com.

The box score for Tuesday's game can be seen here; the Play-by-Play review can be viewed here.

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