Bats, Strong Pitching Powers Fort Myers past Bradenton 8-2

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 31, 2024) - Byron Chourio and Brooks Lee each drove in multiple runs as the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels’ offense came alive in the middle innings to defeat the Bradenton Marauders 8-2 at Hammond Stadium on Friday night.

A scoreless game through the first three and a half innings, Poncho Ruiz and Rixon Wingrove both walked to begin the fourth. The next batter was Chourio, who got the Mussels (21-27) on the board as he laced a double up the right field line to score Ruiz. One batter later, Maddux Houghton drove in Wingrove to add to the lead. After Ryan McCarthy walked, Yohander Martinez hit a bouncing ball to Marauders (21-27) shortstop Javier Rivas, who misplayed it, allowing Chourio and McCarthy to score on the error to push the score to 4-0 in favor of Fort Myers.

Cesar Lares (2-1) got two quick outs to start the fifth inning, but allowed two base runners to reach on a walk and a single. Marauders cleanup man Omar Alfonzo slammed a double into left-center to cut the score to 4-2.

It was another strong outing from Lares, who tossed 5 innings, surrendering six hits and two earned runs, while walking two and striking out six on a season high 91 pitches. The lefty compiled 28 strikeouts across 26.1 innings in the month of May.

The Mussels responded with another run in the home half of the fifth, as Chourio singled through the right side to drive in his second Mussel of the evening. Wingrove tried to score from first on the play, but was thrown out at home to keep the score at 5-2.

Houghton, McCarthy and Martinez all reached to begin the sixth inning, setting the table for a Payton Eeles sacrifice fly that scored Houghton and extended the lead. A throwing error by left fielder Esmerlyn Valdez on the sac fly allowed McCarthy and Martinez to advance an extra 90 feet. Lee, batting with runners at second and third, roped a single up the middle to plate both Mussels’ as the score moved to 8-2.

Tanner Hall and Xander Hamilton were dominant out of the Fort Myers bullpen, combining for 4 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and striking out four.

The Mussels are back in action for game one of a doubleheader on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. as right-hander Charlee Soto (0-2, 6.35) will get the start, opposite Bradenton lefty Michael Kennedy (1-2, 3.83). Game two probable starters are Ross Dunn (0-0, 3.42) and Khristian Curtis (0-2, 5.29). Coverage begins at 3:40 p.m. on the Mighty Mussels Baseball Network.