Manatees Forced to Wait For Win No. 1,000

Published on August 11, 2009 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Brevard County Manatees News Release


(Viera, FL) Brevard County was unable to hang on to a 2-0 lead Tuesday night, dropping a 3-2 decision to the Dunedin Blue Jays. The Manatees' quest for their 1,000th win will have to wait another day, as they dropped their second straight game. After starting the year with nine straight wins over the Blue Jays, the Manatees have now lost four straight to their FSL North rivals.

The Manatees struck first, scoring two runs in the fifth inning. Brent Brewer started things with a one-out single up the middle. Juan Sanchez followed Brewer with a tapper back to the mound, but Blue Jays pitcher Andrew Liebel bobbled the ball, then threw it away, leaving Sanchez and Brewer on second and third. Logan Schafer followed with what appeared to be a two-run double on a line shot down the right field line, but it was ruled foul. After a lengthy debate, Schafer stepped back to the plate and ripped a two-run single to right field.

Dunedin's Matt Liuzza led off the sixth with a double to the gap in left-center field. After a wild pitch moved him to third, he scored on Kevin Ahrens' sacrifice fly to close the gap to 2-1. Bradley McElroy led off the seventh inning with a solo blast to right field, tying the game at 2-2.

McElroy added further damage in the ninth, leading off with a double down the right field line. John Tolisano moved McElroy over to third base with a sacrifice bunt. Daniel Merklinger then uncorked a wild pitch, allowing McElroy to score the go-ahead run. The Manatees threatened in the ninth with singles from Lee Haydel and Brent Brewer, but Juan Sanchez grounded into a double play to end the game.

The Manatees take another crack at getting their 1,000th win Wednesday night. Amaury Rivas (10-6, 2.89) looks to continue his recent hot streak. He is 6-1 in his last seven starts, compiling a 1.73 ERA during the span. He has not allowed an earned run in his last two starts, both wins at home. He will be facing Vincent Bongiovanni (6-6, 3.93) of the Blue Jays. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.

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Florida State League Stories from August 11, 2009


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