ports Bradenton 5, Charlotte 2

Chris Diaz (SecondShotPhoto.com)

BRADENTON — The Marauders (30-16, 62-54) sent the Charlotte Stone Crabs (16-28, 61-53) to their 11th straight defeat 5-2 at McKechnie Field on Thursday night. RHP Henry Hirsch (W, 2-2) and RHP Dovydas Neverauskas combined for 4 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.

Bradenton got off to a quick start in the bottom of the first when LF Justin Maffei lined a triple to right field. CF Austin Meadows grounded to second base to collect the first of his three RBIs. Bradenton scored again in the second on an errant pickoff throw to take a 2-0 lead.

Charlotte rallied against Bradenton starter RHP Luis Heredia in the fourth. Mike Marjama blasted a run-scoring triple and scored on an infield single by Granden Goetzman to tie the game 2-2. Heredia was able to strand two in scoring position and escaped with the score tied. Heredia whiffed five over 4 2/3 innings.

Meadows broke the tie in the fifth inning with a two-run double to left center. Greg Harris (L, 1-2) allowed a single and a walk to start the inning. Kyle McKenzie came on to face Meadows and surrendered the go-ahead hit.

SS Chris Diaz went 3-for-3 and scored two runs. RF Harold Ramirez was 2-for-4 with an RBI, a double, and a stolen base.

Bradenton remains three games behind Palm Beach in the South Division 2nd Half standings.

The game began after a 67 minute rain delay at 7:37 p.m. under overcast skies, 87 degrees, and wind blowing 11 mph in from right to left. The Marauders are now 10-6 vs. Charlotte and have clinched the season series; Bradenton has won six straight meetings.

The Marauders host Charlotte in game two of the three game series at 6:30 p.m. LHP Cody Dickson will be on the mound for the Marauders and Charlotte will have RHP Brent Honeywell on the mound. Live streaming audio will be available on www.BradentonMarauders.com and on the TuneIn App.