Win Eludes Marauders Late in 5-3 Loss
Ahead 2-0 and with closer Ryan Beckman in the ballgame, the Marauders watched the first six Flying Tigers reach in the eighth. Gustavo Nunez began play with a ball hit off of Elevys Gonzalez at third for an error. That was followed by a Daniel Fields triple, Tony Plagman double, Wade Gaynor being hit by a pitch, Jordan Lennerton reaching on an error by first baseman Aaron Baker and Avasail Garcia singling up the middle. The first five of those men scored, bouncing Beckman in favor of Brett Sinkbail. The former big leaguer struck out Nunez to end the frame. Ten batters hit in the inning for Lakeland.
The late assault wiped out an excellent start by lefty Nathan Baker. The Ole Miss product pitched six shutout innings, striking out eight and allowing only three hits. He struck out the side in order in his sixth and final inning.
Offensively for Bradenton, the Marauders scored twice on triples. Robby Grossman tripled and scored in the first and Adalberto Santos did the same in the fifth.
The loss drops Bradenton to 18-27 and extends the Marauders current losing streak to six, the longest in the team's brief history.
The same two teams meet again Tuesday in Lakeland. First pitch is scheduled for 7pm with radio coverage starting at 6:45. For more information visit online at BradentonMarauders.com.