Marauders Vanquish Mets 6-3

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BRADENTON – The Marauders (46-41, 11-7) vanquished the St. Lucie Mets (52-34, 12-5) for the second straight night, winning 6-3 at McKechnie Field on Wednesday night. John Kuchno (W, 4-8) picked up his first win since April 27, tossing 6 2/3 innings and surrendering three runs, two of which were earned.

The Marauders turned three double plays in the game, the first of which cleared the bases as the Mets scored the first run of the game in the top of the first inning. The second twin killing ended the top of the sixth one batter after the Mets had scored a run to climb to within 4-2. Trailing 4-3 in the eighth, St. Lucie got the leadoff man on only to see the runner erased when Matt Benedict (S, 1) induced a 6-3 double play grounder. Benedict recorded the final seven outs for the save.

Bradenton erased the early 1-0 deficit in the bottom of the first inning, scoring without a hit. A walk to Adam Frazier began the inning. Max Moroff grounded to second base where L.J. Mazzilli made a late throw to try and force out the lead runner, resulting in a fielder’s choice but not an out. Josh Bell flew out to center fielder, allowing Frazier to move over to third base. Frazier scored on an errant throw into center field as Moroff swiped his 11^th base of the season.

An error by Mets starter Kevin McGowan (L, 2-1) on Moroff’s sacrifice bunt in the third loaded the bases after Raul Fortunato and Adam Frazier opened the inning with singles. Josh Bell tapped an infield single in front of home plate to plate a run to put the home team in front 2-1. Jose Osuna flew out to right field and Frazier was cut down at the plate, but Jordan Steranka doubled home two runs to put the lead at 4-1.

Steranka added a second RBI double against Paul Sewald in the eighth inning as the Marauders tacked on two insurance runs and established the final margin. Bell and Steranka each finished with two hits.

The Marauders go for the sweep on Thursday night. First pitch is at 6:30 p.m. with gates opening at 5:30. Jason Creasy will be on the mound for the Marauders against lefty John Lannan of the Mets.

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