Dodgers Can't Hold Late Lead

Published on May 3, 2006 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Vero Beach Devil Rays News Release


(Vero Beach, FL) - The Daytona Cubs scored five runs on one hit, two walks, a hit batter, three wild pitches and an error in the 8th inning to defeat Vero Beach 5-2 Wednesday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Cole Bruce hit his team-leading third home run in the loss. The series continues Thursday night with a doubleheader beginning at 6:00 PM.

For 7 1/2 innings, the Dodgers were in control thanks to a dominating performance from starter Matt Merricks. He did not allow a run in 5 2/3 innings. For one stretch, Merricks struck out five straight and fanned a total of 10 in the game. However, he had to leave in the 6th with what appeared to be a sore shoulder.

He left with a lead thanks to the Bruce home run, which was a solo shot off the scoreboard in the second inning. Vero doubled their lead in the seventh when Pat Borders led off with a double. He went to third on a single from Bruce and scored on David Nicholson's double play ball.

The lead evaporated in a hazy cloud of misplays in the bottom of the 8th. Jemel Spearmen led off with a single to center. Pinch-hitter Matt Craig and Ryan Harvey both walked to load the bases. Closer Kyle Wilson then relieved Brian Akin and immediately hit Jake Fox to score the Cubs' first run.

Aron Weston then bounced a ball to first base. Jimmy Rohan attempted to get the force out at home, but the throw sailed to the backstop and score two runners to put Daytona ahead 3-2. The Cubs would add two more runs on wild pitches, giving them a three-run cushion into the 9th.

The Dodgers put two runners on in the 9th, but failed to score. Jamie Hoffman had his second two-hit game in a row, but the top five batters in the Dodgers lineup went a combined 2-19. The loss also dropped Vero Beach two games behind Daytona in the standings.

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Florida State League Stories from May 3, 2006


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