Manatees take series opener against Jupiter

VIERA, Fla. -- Led by seven shutout innings by starting pitcher Kyle Heckathorn, the Brevard County Manatees made it two wins in a row with a 4-1 victory over the Jupiter Hammerheads on Thursday night at Space Coast Stadium.

Heckathorn - who went just five innings and allowed six runs in his last start - scattered six hits, struck out three and didn't walk a batter, to earn his fourth win of the season.

Brevard County's bats provided run support early as back-to-back RBI doubles by Brock Kjeldgaard and Scott Krieger in the second, made it 2-0 Manatees.

The Manatees (17-31) plated another run in the fourth on a double steal after a Shea Vucinich strikeout, that saw Krieger take second and Khris Davis steal home to make it 3-0.

The 'Tees tacked on one more run in the sixth on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Vucinich, that scored Kentrail Davis.

Jupiter (24-24) scored its only run in the eighth on a bases-loaded walk given up by Rolando Pascual. Evan Anundsen would get the last out of the eighth and Corey Frerichs shut the door in the ninth for his second save of the season.

Kjeldgaard continued his hot hitting as he went 3-for-4 with a double, RBI and run scored. Khris Davis went 2-for-3 with a double, RBI and two runs scored and has reached base in 19 straight games.

Brevard County will look to make it three wins in a row on Friday night beginning at 7:05 p.m. against Jupiter. Nick Bucci (3-2, 2.42) will take the mound for the Manatees, while the Hammerheads will send Edgar Olmos (2-3, 4.56) to the hill.