Manatees drop matinee to Lakeland

LAKELAND, Fla. - A six-run second inning by the Lakeland Flying Tigers doomed the Brevard County Manatees as the 'Tees fell 9-4 at Joker Marchant Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

Jed Bradley (4-6, 5.03) had the shortest start of his professional career as he went just two innings and tied a season-high with four walks. He allowed six runs - all earned - on five hits and did not strikeout a batter for just the second time this season.

With the Manatees (29-39) leading 1-0, Bradley allowed a lead-off walk to begin the bottom of the second. The Flying Tigers (36-29) then strung together five consecutive hits, topped off by a Dixon Machado double, as Lakeland took a 4-1 lead.

Lakeland plated two more runs in the frame off of Bradley on a RBI ground out and a sacrifice fly, before Bradley was able to get out of the inning with Brevard trailing 6-1.

The Manatees were able to cut Lakeland's lead to just two runs in the top of the third. Mike Walker drove in two with a double and Shea Vucinich plated Walker with a single - both with two outs - as Brevard County trailed just 6-4. Walker was the only Manatee who had a multi-hit day as he went 2-for-3 with three RBI.

After the third inning, Brevard County was shut down offensively the rest of the way as they managed just two base runners and did not record a hit in the final six innings against the Flying Tigers.

Eric Arnett (3 IP), Philippe Valiquette (2 IP) and Eric Marzec (1 IP) combined to go the rest of the way after Bradley's early departure. Each reliever gave up one run with Arnett striking out three and Valiquette fanning two.

Brevard County will look to avoid the sweep in Wednesday night's series finale against Lakeland at 6:30 p.m.

Brooks Hall (1-3, 4.89) will get the start on the mound for the 'Tees, while the Flying Tigers will counter with Brian Stroud (0-1, 3.76).