FSL1 Jupiter Hammerheads

Hammerheads Fall Despite Nicolino's Domination

Published on April 16, 2013 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Jupiter Hammerheads News Release


JUPITER, Fla. - LHP Justin Nicolino rose to the occasion as the Hammerheads' bats fell silent in their 3-1 loss to the Bradenton Marauders Tuesday night.

One of the top prospects acquired in an offseason deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, Nicolino shined in his Roger Dean Stadium debut, allowing just one base runner in five shutout innings.

The Marlins' sixth-ranked prospect according to Baseball America, Nicolino threw 42 of his 62 pitches for strikes (68 percent), lowering his season ERA to 3.60.

Nicolino's opposition, RHP Robby Rowland, struck out six in as many scoreless frames, allowing just two hits.

The Marauders did their damage on offense in the seventh inning, thanks to a two-run double off the bat of Willy Garcia. What appeared to be a routine fly ball fell in front of left fielder Ryan Rieger, who lost ball in the lights.

Ross Wilson scored the Hammerheads' lone run in the ninth on an infield single off the bat of Rieger, his second hit of the night. Rieger leads the team with a .349 batting average, and has a hit in nine of the 11 games he's played in this season.

Marcell Ozuna went 0-for-3 in his 2013 debut with the Hammerheads. Ozuna-who set the team's single-season record for most home runs (24) and RBI (95) last year-was activated from the DL before Tuesday's game.

The loss drops the Hammerheads to 2-10 on the young season, despite their fantastic pitching.

Including Nicolino's five shutout innings Tuesday night, Jupiter's starting pitchers have allowed just 12 earned runs on 35 hits and eight walks in 53.2 innings, good for a 2.01 ERA and a 0.80 WHIP.

RHP Josh Hodges hopes to continue the Hammerheads' streak of sparkling pitching performances when he takes the hill in the series rubber match tomorrow at 6:35 p.m. RHP Nick Kingham is expected to start for the Marauders.

For more information on the Jupiter Hammerheads, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Miami Marlins, please call (561) 775-1818 or visit JupiterHammerheads.com. For tickets and more information about Roger Dean Stadium, visit RogerDeanStadium.com.

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Florida State League Stories from April 16, 2013


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