Sports

Four-run fifth lifts Fort Myers past Bradenton in FSL

Bradenton Marauders’ shortstop Cole Tucker tags out Charlotte’s Brandon Lowe on a stolen base attempt in the seaosn opener. Tucker hit his first home run of the season on Friday in Fort Myers during the Marauders’ 7-1 loss to the Miracle.
Bradenton Marauders’ shortstop Cole Tucker tags out Charlotte’s Brandon Lowe on a stolen base attempt in the seaosn opener. Tucker hit his first home run of the season on Friday in Fort Myers during the Marauders’ 7-1 loss to the Miracle. Herald Correspondent

Rafael P. Valera hit a solo home run in the fifth inning, sparking the Fort Myers Miracle to a 7-1 victory against the Bradenton Marauders in Florida State League play on Friday.

The home run by Valera gave the Miracle a 2-1 lead and started a four-run inning. Later in the inning, Nelson Molina scored on a fielder’s choice, and Tanner English hit a two-run single. English had tied the game at 1 in the fourth with an RBI single.

Anthony McIver (1-1) earned the win with 2 1/3 innings of scoreless, three-hit relief.

Starter Gage Hinsz (1-3) took the loss for Bradenton (26-16), which fell to 1-3 against the Miracle (22-20) this season.

Cole Tucker supplied Bradenton’s run with a solo homer in the fourth inning.

Up next

Who: Bradenton (26-16) at Fort Myers (22-20)

When: Saturday, 6:05 p.m.

Where: Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers

Starting pitchers: Logan Sendelbach (1-2, 4.68) vs. Dereck Rodriguez (2-2, 2.80)

Online: Live streaming audio at BradentonMarauders.com

This story was originally published May 19, 2017 at 9:57 PM with the headline "Four-run fifth lifts Fort Myers past Bradenton in FSL."

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