Marauders drop finale to Manatees

The Bradenton Marauders (46-41, 8-11) dropped the final game of their four-game series with the Brevard County Manatees (27-59, 4-14) by a final of 6-4.

Jose Cuas (1 for 4, HR, three RBI) opened the scoring with a three-run blast to left that put the Manatees ahead 3-0 in the second inning.

In the bottom of the third, three straight doubles by Michael Suchy (1 for 3, 2B, R, BB), Elvis Escobar (1 for 3, 2B, RBI, R), and Tito Polo (2 for 4, two 2B, RBI) led to the Marauders’ first two runs.

Connor Joe (1 for 3, RBI) tied the game at 3 with a sacrifice fly to center field in the bottom of the fourth.

The Manatees put three runs across in the top of the fifth, two of which came on a two-run double by Clint Coulter (2 for 4, 2B, two RBI, R) to make it 6-3.

The Marauders got one back in the bottom of the sixth on an RBI groundout by Taylor Gushue (0 for 4, RBI).

Marauders lefty Stephen Tarpley went the first 6 innings giving up 5 hits, 6 runs (all earned), and 4 walks with 6 strikeouts.

Manatees starter Bubba Derby went a season-high 8 innings giving up 7 hits, 4 runs (all earned), and 2 walks with 6 strikeouts.

Up next: The Marauders are off Tuesday before beginning a three-game series in Dunedin on Wednesday against the Blue Jays. First pitch is at 6:30 p.m.

Herald staff report

This story was originally published July 12, 2016 at 12:09 AM with the headline "Marauders drop finale to Manatees."