SportsBriefs - Bradenton Marauders: We're tied for Number 1!

The Bradenton Marauders have won 100% of the games they have played, a win-loss record we might as well gloat about today because, statistically, there is no way they can remain 100% winners in the competitive Florida State League.

They may hold this record through tonight, when -- once again -- they play the same Ft. Myers Miracle team they've now decimated three times in a row. But tomorrow night the Marauders take on the 3-1 Jupiter Hammerheads in Jupiter. And later this month they'll play other hot teams, including the Charlotte Stone Crabs on April 30, the team with which the Marauders are currently tied for first place in the league.

And there's one way in which the Ft. Myers Miracle beat the Marauders so badly that it's pitiful: According to the Ft. Myers News-Press , the Miracle had over 8,000 fans at their home opener Friday night while the Marauders only drew about 2400 for their opening night Thursday. Yes, more people go out on Friday nights than on Thursday nights, but still...

In any case, win or lose, the Marauders are the finest professional baseball team in all of Bradenton this summer. The Bradenton Times will be at a lot of Marauders games this season, and we hope to see you at McKechnie Field, too.

The End: Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers
That's the headline above the Lightning-obsessed Raw Charge blog's combo video and text look at the Lightning/Panthers final meet. The Lightning won, 3-1, but it was too little, too late. No hockey playoffs for Tampa Bay this year.

The Rays start poorly, but there's still plenty of hope
The DRaysbay site had these words from Eric Hahmann on top of their main page Sunday night: "We're six games into the season. There's 156 games to go. Just keep that in mind. There's no reason to go into panic mode just because the bullpen and offense didn't look so sharp the past two nights and the Yankees won the series."

We couldn't have said it better ourselves.

Preventing Sports Related Injuries
Speaker: Daniel Lamar, MD
Date: Tuesday, April 13, 4:30 pm
Location: Conference Room 1,
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

Athletes young and old are invited to join orthopedic surgeon Daniel Lamar to learn ways to avoid injury while playing the sports that you love. From professional athletes to weekend warriors, Dr. Lamar will discuss keeping the body healthy and strong. This seminar is free and refreshments will be provided. (Seating is limited, so reservations are necessary. Please call Direct Doctors Plus to register: 1-800-454-8215)

NHRA Junior Drag Racing League at Bradenton Motorsports Park this week
Thursday 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., All Welcome Fun & Grudge Racing, Test & Tune.
Saturday at 3 p.m., Junior Dragster Challenge:
Super Pro, Dayton Andrews Dodge Sportsman, Super Pro Cycle,
Motorcycle Street ET, All Harley Drags & Jr Dragster. 1/8th mile.
More info: www.bradentonmotorsports.com

Does your team or league have upcoming events (or results and scores) to announce? Email your news to news@thebradentontimes.com.