New Team, Same Result: Tortugas Drop Opener, 9-2

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - The Bradenton Marauders built a 9-0 lead over the first four innings and cruised their way to a series opening victory, 9-2, Friday night at Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The Tortugas allowed nine runs in the final three innings the night before and were outscored 18-1 over a seven-inning span.
Bradenton loaded up the bases with two away against RHP Tommy Bergjans in the top of the third. Then, on the first pitch to Hunter Owen, he hit a grand slam over the left field wall, his 11th homer of the year, to give the Marauders a 4-0 lead.
The Marauders sent eight men to the plate in the fourth and scored five more times. Back-to-back RBI singles from Casey Hughston and Brett Pope made it 6-0. Then, with two-on and two-away, Bergjans was pulled for LHP Kevin Canelon. On the second pitch from Canelon, Albert Baur hit a three-run homer over the left field wall to make it 9-0.
Daytona scored their runs in the bottom of the sixth. Bruce Yari came up with the bases loaded and drove in Alberti Chavez from third after grounding into a fielder's choice. Michael Beltre would come around to score from second on the same play on a throwing error to round out the scoring at 9-2.
RHP James Marvel (9-5) took the win. He allowed two unearned runs on four hits in seven innings with six strikeouts. Bergjans (2-2) took the loss, allowing eight runs on six hits with three walks in 3 ⅔ innings, while striking out four.
The Tortugas look to snap their two-game slide with RHP Tejay Antone (1-2, 4.83) on the mound Saturday. Antone will be matched up against RHP Gavin Wallace (1-0, 3.86).
First pitch Saturday is scheduled for 7:05 PM, with coverage beginning at 6:45 PM with The Metcare Pregame Show on AM 1230, AM 1490, and FM 106.9 WSBB.
NOTES: The Tortugas fell to 0-26 when trailing after 8 innings… Bradenton's nine-hole hitter went 4-for-4. Over the past two games, nine-hole hitters are 8-for-9 against Tortugas pitching… Bruce Yari has both Tortuga RBIs over the last two losses… Michael Beltre scored a run, had a throwing error and an outfield assist… Alberti Chavez snapped an 0-for-15 drought with a sixth inning single… Tyler Stephenson extended his hitting streak to six games, one shy of his season high, with a ninth inning single.