King Jr.’s Three-Run Homer Just Enough in Marauders 5-3 Win
Navarro punches out eight over 5.0 frames, Ramirez earns three-hit night
Eddie King Jr.’s three-run homer was the difference in a 5-3 win for the Bradenton Marauders (37-41, 6-7) over the Daytona Tortugas (6-6, 27-51) on Friday from LECOM Park. Reinold Navarro punched out eight batters over 5.0 innings, while Richard Ramirez tagged three hits.
Bradenton began the scoring in the bottom of the seventh off Daytona reliever Lisnerkin Lantigua. Antonio Pimentel and Canon Reeder notched back-to-back hits, putting runners on second and first. Fredderick Ovalle recorded a sacrifice bunt to move Pimentel and Reeder into scoring position. A throwing error allowed Pimentel to plate and make it a 1-0 ballgame. With Reeder at third and Ovalle at second, Johan De Los Santos scored Reeder on an RBI single to make it 2-0. King Jr. blasted a three-run homer, putting Bradenton up 5-0.
Despite a run in the eighth and two in the ninth, Marauders reliever Brandon Cain closed the door the rest of the way to finalize a 5-3 win for the Marauders.
Adolofo Oviedo (6-0) secured the win, striking out one over 2.0 perfect innings. Lantigua (3-3) took the loss, letting up five runs on six hits and two walks over 3.0 frames.
The Marauders and Tortugas play the penultimate of a six-game series on Saturday from LECOM Park. First pitch is set for 4:00 p.m.
For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.