Bradenton rallies past Clearwater in Florida State League

Two big innings erased a five-run deficit and delivered Bradenton an 11-8 victory against Clearwater in the opener of a four-game Florida State League series at McKechnie Field on Sunday.

The Threshers (54-38, 15-9) held an 8-3 lead after 4  1/2 innings, but Kevin Kramer’s two-run double highlighted a four-run fifth. Pablo Reyes led off the four-run seventh, tying the score at 8, with his third home run of the season. Jerrick Suiter and Connor Joe added RBI doubles in the inning. Reyes finished 2 for 5 with two RBI. He was one of four Marauders with two hits; everyone except leadoff hitter Cole Tucker had a hit.

The comeback made a winner of Henry Hirsch (4-3), who worked two shutout innings for the Marauders (50-42, 12-12). Colten Brewer pitched two shutout innings for his second save.

Up next: The Marauders send Austin Coley (10-7, 3.79) to the mound in Game 2 of the series. Clearwater counters with John Richy (2-4, 4.66 ERA). ... First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Live streaming audio will be available online at www.BradentonMarauders.com.

Herald Staff report

This story was originally published July 17, 2016 at 10:26 PM with the headline "Bradenton rallies past Clearwater in Florida State League."