FSL Bradenton Marauders

Walkoff Homer Sinks Marauders Saturday in Tampa

Published on June 19, 2021 under Florida State League (FSL)
Bradenton Marauders News Release


TAMPA, Fla. - The Marauders could not hold a three-run lead in the late innings in Tampa Saturday night, eventually falling, 7-6, on a walkoff home run by Anthony Volpe in the ninth inning at Steinbrenner Field.

With the score tied, 6-6, Marauders right-hander Parker Brahms (1-1) pitched to an 0-2 count on Volpe to open the bottom of the ninth inning. But Volpe knocked Brahms' next pitch over the left field wall, dealing the Marauders (26-15) a heartbreaking loss.

The defeat overshadowed a strong start by Adrian Florencio, who pitched a career-high six innings for the Marauders, holding the Tarpons to just two runs on three hits while matching his career high with eight strikeouts.

Tampa (28-13) struck first in the game, getting a leadoff triple from Volpe in the bottom of the first. Austin Wells followed with a two-run homer off Florencio. The right-hander, however, settled down, keeping the Tarpons off the board across the next five innings. Following the Wells homer, Florencio entered a dominant stretch, retiring 16 of next 18 batters into the sixth inning.

Meanwhile, the Marauders offense battled back. RBI-doubles by Blake Sabol and Endy Rodriguez tied the score at 2-2 in the third inning, and Alexander Mojica followed with a go-ahead RBI-single to left field for a 3-2 Marauders lead. Bradenton added one run each in the fifth and sixth innings, extending their lead to 5-2 against piggyback starter Matt Sauer, who surrendered three runs on eight hits over four and two-thirds innings.

But in the bottom of the seventh, Oliver Mateo entered in relief for the Marauders. The right-hander walked two batters and, with one out, allowed a game-tying, three-run homer to Volpe. Left-hander Brayan Roman then took over to pitch, allowing two hits and a walk to load the bases for Tampa. Andres Chaparro drove a flyball to the warning track in left-center, plating Wells with the go-ahead run, 6-5.

In the eighth, the Marauders loaded the bases against Sauer with one out. Trevor Holloway entered to pitch for the Tarpons and struck out Maikol Escotto before allowing a game-tying walk to Sabol. Rodriguez, however, flied out to left field to end the threat, setting the stage for Volpe's walkoff.

Holloway (7-1) earned the win in relief for Tampa. Rodriguez recorded a season-high three hits for the Marauders, driving in two runs in his second consecutive game.

The Marauders 4-for-12 with runners in scoring position but left 10 runners stranded.

The series concludes Sunday with first pitch scheduled for 12 p.m. at Steinbrenner Field. RHP Jared Jones is scheduled to start for the Marauders against LHP Clay Aguilar for the Tarpons.

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Florida State League Stories from June 19, 2021


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