Mussels, Marauders start series by splitting a pair of decisions | News, Sports, Jobs

Pitcher Jaylen Nowlin struck out eight in the Mighty Mussels’ 3-2 win over the Bradenton Marauders Wednesday night. FILE PHOTO

Nowlin fans eight to beat Bradenton, 3-2

FORT MYERS – Jaylen Nowlin fanned eight Bradenton Marauders Wednesday, leading the Mighty Mussels to a 3-2 win at Hammond Stadium.

Wednesday marked the second time this season that Nowlin fanned at least eight, with both outings coming against Bradenton (49-48, 20-12). He allowed just two hits over four innings of one-run ball.

The Mussels (54-40, 13-17) jumped in front in the bottom of the second when Daniel Ozoria reached on a two-out walk. After stealing second, Ozoria raced around the bases on two wild pitches to give Fort Myers a 1-0 lead. Luis Baez then drew a walk before Nelson Roberto ripped an RBI double down the third base line to make it 2-0.

Bradenton battled back to cut it to 2-1 on a Jase Bowen double in the top of the third.

In a 2-1 game in the bottom of the third, Keoni Cavaco walked before advancing to second on a passed ball. Two batters later, Dillon Tatum grounded a single to right to extend the lead to 3-1.

The Marauders got a solo homer from Juan Jerez in the sixth, but Juan Mendez tossed a perfect final inning to notch his third save of the season.

Regi Grace returned from the injured list to work two innings out of the bullpen after breaking his nose one month ago.

The Mussels were looking to take the series lead Thursday, with additional games against the Marauders set for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Coverage will be on the Mighty Mussels Baseball Network.

Sixth inning sinks Mussels in 2-1 loss to Marauders

FORT MYERS – The Bradenton Marauders scored two runs in the top of the sixth inning Tuesday, claiming the series opener over the Mighty Mussels 2-1 at Hammond Stadium.

Mussels (53-40, 12-17) starter Pierson Ohl spun five scoreless innings, fanning seven while allowing five hits. He worked around three lead-off hits to put up five zeroes.

The Mussels took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second on a Daniel Ozoria sacrifice fly, and held that lead until the top of the sixth.

Malik Barrington (3-3) replaced Ohl and immediately walked the first two batters he faced. After a wild pitch moved the runners to second and third, Juan Jerez drove a sacrifice fly to deep center to tie the game 1-1. Two batters later, Wyatt Hendrie singled to give the Marauders a 2-1 lead.

Anthony Solometo (3-0) tossed three scoreless innings to earn the win in relief, surrendering just two hits.

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