Pitcher's Duel Ends in 2-1 Marauder Loss

BRADENTON, FL - After dropping the first game of a three game series on Monday night to the Fort Myers Miracle at LECOM Park, the Bradenton Marauders fell for the second straight evening to the visitors in their second consecutive game with a single run scored in a defeat. Miracle starter LHP Bryan Sammons allowed his first earned run of the 2019 season, but recorded his third win to no losses after tossing 5.1 frames and allowing just three hits. 

   After Fort Myers worked across the game's first run on a pair of two out doubles in the top of the first inning off Marauders starting pitcher RHP Max Kranick, who took his second loss of the year albeit with his second straight quality start after allowing a pair of runs including a solo blast from Miracle OF Akil Badoo in the top of the sixth inning for the final score of the game. The only Marauders offense came in the home half of the second inning when 3B Dylan Busby doubled with two outs and was driven in by 1B Michael Gretler on an RBI single, Gretler's third run batted in on the season.

   A pair of relief arms kept the visitors off the board for the final three frames including a pair of scoreless frames for RHP Luis Escobar as he kept his earned run average perfect on the year with a bases loaded strikeout to finish the eighth inning. RHP Joel Cesar struck out the side after a leadoff walk in the ninth inning to bring his ERA to an even 1.00. 

    Bradenton and Fort Myers will conclude their first series of the year on Wednesday night with the Marauders looking to avoid being swept for the first time with RHP Cody Bolton looking to play stopper on the hill. Catch all the action with Matt Neverett on the Bradenton Marauders Baseball Network by visiting BradentonMarauders.com, TuneIn Radio, MiLB.tv, or the MiLB First Pitch app!