FSL1 Fort Myers Mighty Mussels

Gonsalves, Miracle Drop Opener with Marauders, 3-1

April 7, 2016 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels News Release


FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Fort Myers Miracle fell to the Bradenton Marauders, 3-1, in the season opener at Hammond Stadium on Thursday night.

The Marauders took the lead in the first inning on a two-out, three-run homer from Jordan Luplow. Miracle starter Stephen Gonsalves allowed Kevin Newman to reach on a single up the middle to begin the game. Then, Kevin Kramer bounced into a force play at second base to retire Newman. Kramer was then put down at second base when Connor Joe reached on a fielder's choice on a tapper back to Gonsalves (0-1).

With a man at first and one out, Jerrick Suiter rolled a base hit through the right side to put runners at first and second. Luplow then stepped up and struck a 1-2 pitch over the left field fence to stake the Marauders to a 3-0 lead.

Gonsalves settled after the first to toss five consecutive scoreless innings and allow just two of the last 15 batters faced to reach base. Totaling six strikeouts, Gonsalves gave up three runs on six hits while throwing 97 pitches.

Marauders starter Alex McRae hurled five scoreless frames for Bradenton and surrendered just four hits. Despite walking three, McRae struck out three and exited the game after 74 pitches.

Edgar Santana came out of the Marauders bullpen to register a pair of scoreless frames. The only Miracle run came in the eighth inning. Tanner English greeted Bradenton reliever Sam Street with an infield single. Then, Nick Gordon hit a deep fly ball to left center that was dropped by Elvis Escobar. The two-base error put Gordon at second and English at third. T.J. White then grounded out to short to plate English, 3-1.

Street completed the eighth with no more damage and Nick Newmann was perfect in the ninth with two punchouts to record his first save of the season.

The Miracle bullpen combined for three scoreless innings. Brian Gilbert, Luke Bard and Raul Fernandez each worked a clean inning.

On Friday, the series continues with a 7:05 p.m. game at Hammond Stadium. The Miracle (0-1) will send out right-hander Kohl Stewart in his season debut against Bradenton (1-0) lefty Brandon Waddell with postgame fireworks.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and fans can pick up complimentary general admission tickets at Wendy's and MetroPCS locations in Lee and Collier counties. Fans can upgrade to box seats for $2 at the Hammond Stadium box office beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday morning. For information, call the Miracle offices at (239) 768-4210 or visit www.miraclebaseball.com.

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Florida State League Stories from April 7, 2016


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