One-Run Curse Continues for Vero Beach Dodgers

Published on April 14, 2006 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Vero Beach Devil Rays News Release


(Viera, FL) - The Vero Beach Dodgers took a 1-0 lead into the 9th, only to drop their 7th one-run loss in the season's first nine games. With two on and no outs, Brevard County's Ryan Braun smacked a single to tie it and an error on the same play gave the Manatees a 2-1 victory. The loss spoiled a stellar start from Matt Merricks, who fanned 12 batters in seven shutout innings. The series concludes Saturday night at 7:00 PM. Chris Malone gets the call to try and end the Dodgers 5-game losing streak. Merricks battled with Manatees starter Josh Wahpepah for the first six innings. Wahpepah tossed six shutout innings, allowing only four hits and one walk while striking out six. Though he has no wins, he has not allowed a run in 11 innings this season. It's a similar story for Merricks. His seven innings were the longest stint from a Dodgers pitcher this season and he, too, is winless but with 11 scoreless frames. Merricks surrendered just three hits and one walk to go with his 12 K's. At one point, Merricks set down 11 in a row - 9 by strikeout. Vero Beach took the lead the in seventh when Brevard went to the bullpen. Ryan Carter laced a double to left off eventual winner Ben Stanczyk. Two outs later Jimmy Rohan singled in Carter to make it 1-0. Ramon Troncoso replaced Merricks in the 8th and threw a scoreless inning to keep the Dodgers on top. In the ninth, Charlie Fermaint reached on a infield single. Alcides Escobar attempted to bunt him to second, but was hit by a pitch. There was a lengthy delay as the Dodgers protested the call and when play resumed, Braun delivered a base hit to right. The ball was misplayed, allowing both runners to score and give Brevard County the win. The Manatees remain atop the FSL East Divsion with an 8-1 record while the Dodgers fall to 1-8. Seven of the eight losses have been by one run; the other was a 2-run loss.

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Florida State League Stories from April 14, 2006


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