Marauders Edge Jupiter Again

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BRADENTON – The Marauders (26-28) climbed out of last place in the Florida State League South Division standings with a 4-3 win over the Jupiter Hammerheads (28-31) on Wednesdaynight at McKechnie Field. Bradenton has won seven in a row, but dropped to 6.5 games out of first due to a doubleheader sweep by division-leading Charlotte over Fort Myers.

For the second straight night it was Jupiter plating the first run. Chris Coghlan singled home Brent Keys after a leadoff double against Joely Rodriguez (W, 4-3). Coghlan was tagged out trying to score from third on a ball off the mitt of catcher Elias Diaz, getting Rodriguez out of a jam. The lefty settled in to pitch four scoreless innings while striking out three.

Bradenton plated three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Benji Gonzalez led off with a double off Hammerheads ace Jose Urena (L, 10-7). Ashley Ponce bunted for a single. Stetson Allie followed with a sacrifice fly. Dan Gamache was retired on a fly out to left and the count was 3-2 on Diaz when the game was halted for 11 minutes by a lightening delay.

When the game, which was played through a steady rain, was resumed, Diaz doubled on a ball misjudged by Jupiter right fielder Yordy Cabrera. Ponce scored on the double, then Diaz came around on Taylor Lewis’ league-leading 12^th triple to make it 3-1.

The score held until the Marauders got an insurance run in the sixth on a bases loaded walk to D.J. Crumlich. Emmanuel De Leon pitched two innings, surrendering a run in the seventh. Matt Benedict earned the save, his third, with help from the defense.

After a run scored in the eighth to make the score 4-3, Brent Keys singled to right field with two down. Cabrera tried to score from second and was cut down at the plate by Junior Sosa.

The series finale is Thursday night at 6:30 p.m., with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Zack Dodson will be on the mound for the Marauders. Scott Lyman will start for Jupiter.

Box: http://bradenton.marauders.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2013_08_21_jupafa_braafa_1&t=g_box&did=milb&sid=t3390