ports Mets Beat Marauders 3-2

PORT ST LUCIE – The Mets (3-0) spoiled the Marauders (0-3) home opener, using Michael Conforto’s two-run home run in the seventh inning to rewrite a 2-1 deficit and take the game 3-2. The loss spoiled a 10 strikeout performance for the Bradenton pitching staff.

RHP Frank Duncan whiffed six and allowed just one run over five innings in his first start. The University of Kansas product did not allow a run until a two-out RBI-single by Champ Stuart in the fifth inning gave the The Marauders went on top in the sixth, breaking through for two runs against Mets starter Marcos Molina.

Justin Maffei singled and Reese McGuire doubled with one out. Molina got a strikeout for the second out, before 2B Erich Weiss lined a double to left center to score both runs.

Henry Hirsch pitched two scoreless innings, facing the minimum and striking out two before giving way to Brett McKinney. McKinney walked Stuart with one out in the eighth, and was nearly out of the inning when the Mets’ centerfielder tried to steal on a pitchout one out later. Stuart was called safe and scored on Conforto’s home run.

The Marauders got consecutive singles in the ninth from Jordan Steranka and Jin-De Jhang to put the tying run on third, but Chris Diaz’s line drive smash went right to short. Jhang was doubled off first in a game-ending double play.

NOTES: The game began at 6:31 under partly cloudy skies, 84 degrees, wind blowing 11mph from left to right...Reese McGuire threw out his first base stealer of the season, cutting down Victor Cruzado in the third inning... McGuire has hit safely in each of his first three games with the Marauders...The Marauders lost their home opener for just the second time in six years... Michael Ryan was ejected for the first time this season...Frank Duncan’s six strikeout debut was his first start in a full-season league in his

professional career.

TOMORROW: The Marauders wrap up their season opening series against the Mets at McKechnie Field at 1:00 p.m.... Gates open at 12:00 p.m ... LHP Steven Brault will start on the mound for the Marauders against RHP Logan Taylor for the Mets... Live streaming audio will be available online at www.BradentonMarauders.com and via the TuneIn App.