Marauders Take Series Finale Behind Sterling’s Nine Strikeouts
Ovalle lifts go-ahead two-run homer, Perez extends hitting streak to seven games
Levi Sterling tied a career-high with nine strikeouts during the Bradenton Marauders (10-10, 41-44) 5-2 victory over the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (9-10, 46-38) on Sunday from Hammond Stadium. Fredderick Ovalle socked a go-ahead two-run homer, while Edgleen Perez extended his hitting streak to seven games.
Fort Myers began the scoring in the bottom of the first off Sterling. Luis Fragoza slammed a solo homer, putting the Mighty Mussels up 1-0.
In the top of the eighth, Bradenton plated three runs off Fort Myers reliever Jonathan Stevens. Cristian Jauregui walked and Ovalle homered to make it a 2-1 ballgame. Johan De Los Santos walked, moved to second on a single by Eddie King Jr., and scored during a base hit from Richard Ramirez to make it 3-1.
In the top of the ninth, Brent Iredale doubled and came around to score on a single from Antonio Pimentel. After Pimentel was caught stealing, Ovalle singled and moved to second on a wild pitch. A base by De Los Santos drove in Ovalle, putting the Marauders up 5-1.
Despite a run in the bottom of the ninth from the Mighty Mussels, Marauders reliever Jeter Martinez closed it down to secure a 5-2 win for Bradenton.
Martinez (2-4) earned the win, letting up a run on three hits, a walk, and a strikeout over 4.0 frames. Stevens (4-2) took the loss, allowing three runs on three hits, two walks, and a strikeout over 0.1 innings.
The Marauders take the next four days off for the All-Star Break before returning to action on the road against the Tampa Tarpons on Friday from George M. Steinbrenner Field.
For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.