Tampa Spoil Saturday Night Party at LECOM Park
Published on August 5, 2023 under Florida State League (FSL)
Bradenton Marauders News Release
Bradenton, Fla.--- The Marauders (23-12, 58-42) and the Tampa Tarpons (18-17, 49-52) met for the fifth game of a six-game series at LECOM Park in front of a packed crowd on Back-to-School night at the ballyard. The game was starved for runs but not offensive chances as it came down to who could convert on their opportunities late in the game, with Tampa cashing in and stealing a 4-2 win.
Marauders starter Drake Fellows took to the hill for his second rehab appearance with Bradenton. The right-hander, who was acquired in a deal for Joe Musgrove in 2021, tossed a pair of hitless innings while striking out three across seven batters faced.
Tampa snatched the lead in the top of the third when Jesus Rodriguez singled to bring Daury Arias in to score from second, putting the visitors up 1-0 in the early going.
It did not take too long for Bradenton to respond as they managed to level the contest in the bottom of the fourth when Rodolfo Nolasco hit a solo blast to take us back to square one at 1-1 on the board.
The Young Bucs slid ahead in the bottom of the fifth when Jesus Castillo hit into a fielder's choice play that allowed Justin Miknis to jog home from there to give Bradenton a 2-1 advantage.
The Tarpons wrestled back control in the top of the sixth thanks to a wild pitch that plated a run and a two-RBI double off the bat of Jared Wegner that trickled down the right field line to plate Martinez and Romero on the play.
With the Tarpons leading 4-2 entering the back third of the game, the Marauders looked primed for another late offensive explosion, but it was not to be.
The best chance for Bradenton came with two outs and men on the corners in the bottom of the ninth with the talented Lonnie White Jr. at the plate.
The top 30 prospect worked the count full before bouncing a slow roller up the middle into the glove of the second baseman Jared Serna who flung the ball to first to retire White Jr. by a split second, sealing the 4-2 win and a least a series split for the visitors.
The series finale is set for Noon on Sunday, with Bradenton hoping to send the Tarpons home with a loss.
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