Grossman scores seven runs in twin bill

Less than a week ago, Robbie Grossman walked into the Minor League record books. On Wednesday, he had another day to remember.

The Pirates prospect went 4-for-4 with a homer, double and five runs scored as the Bradenton Marauders defeated the Palm Beach Cardinals, 9-4, in the completion of a suspended game. He added two hits and scored twice in the nightcap, a 7-4 loss.

Overall, the 21-year-old switch-hitter was 6-for-8 with seven runs scored and 12 total bases. He raised his batting average to .300 and his OPS to .888.

A 2008 sixth-round Draft pick, Grossman started the opener by singling in the first inning, then was hit by a pitch in the third. He went on to hit in three consecutive innings, homering in the fifth, singling again in the sixth and doubling in the seventh.

Grossman stayed hot to start the second game, smacking a leadoff double in the first and singling in the third, giving him seven hits in his last seven at-bats. He was not retired until the fifth, when he flied out to left field. He grounded out in his final at-bat in the seventh.

Hitting leadoff all year, Grossman drew his 100th walk Thursday to become the first Minor Leaguer to record 100 runs and 100 walks in one season since Nick Swisher accomplished the feat for Triple-A Sacramento in 2004. The Texas native's 41-game on-base streak came to an end Sunday, but he has reached safely in 81 of his last 83 contests.

"I always felt like I had a pretty good eye, but it has really blossomed this year," Grossman said Thursday. "I've been patient. When I've got a pitch to hit, I've been swinging. But if not, I've been taking it."

Grossman ranks among the Florida State League leaders in several categories. He leads with 120 runs scored, 100 walks and a .428 on-base percentage and is third with 136 hits.

The split left the Marauders two games ahead of the second-place Cardinals in the FSL South Division second-half race with 12 to play.