Manatees Drop Second Straight Game

By  //  April 21, 2013

Brevard County Takes On Tampa On Sunday

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA — For the first time since opening weekend, the Brevard County Manatees have dropped consecutive contests as they were defeated 6-3 by the Clearwater Threshers on Saturday night at Bright House Field in Clearwater.

Brevard County's Greg Hopkins walked and later scored in nthe ninth inning of the Manatees 6-3 loss at Clearwater on Saturday. (Image courtesy of Brevard County Manatees)
Brevard County’s Greg Hopkins walked and later scored in the ninth inning of the Manatees 6-3 loss at Clearwater on Saturday. (Image courtesy of Brevard County Manatees)

Clearwater threatened right away in the first with runners on second and third and just one out, but Lance Roenicke showed off his arm after catching a ball in foul territory. Carlos Alonso tried tagging up from third, but a dart down the line from Roenicke just beat him with the double play ending the opening frame.

In the second inning, the Threshers would get on the board first as Aaron Altherr took a walk and stole second before scoring on a Brock Stassi single. Brevard County (9-7) didn’t allow that lead to last long though as the first four batters in the top of the third all reached for the Manatees.

Roenicke’s double after fouling off seven straight pitches brought home Yadiel Rivera, with the left fielder advancing to third on the throw home. Roenicke was then tagged out at home in a rundown in on a Dionis Hinojosa fielder’s choice, the Manatees were still able to put runners on second and third with just one out but could not score again and the game remained tied at 1-1.

Manatees starting pitcher Drew Gagnon entered the sixth inning with six strikeouts including three in the fifth, but things began to unravel in the sixth. The Threshers (8-8) were able to bat around and score five runs in the inning to take a 6-1 lead. Gagnon allowed two singles, a double, a walk and a wild pitch, en route to two runs before he was removed from the game.

MANATEESLOGO-125Stephen Peterson came on from the bullpen with one out and allowed the fielder’s choice that scored a run. Next, Altherr knocked a single to center that allowed Perkins to score, but Altherr tried to advance on the throw home and when Rafael Neda tried to cut him down at second, his throw sailed deep into center field. Altherr was then able to score and was then followed by a Brock Stassi triple before Peterson caught Logan Moore looking to finally end the inning.

Overall, Gagnon (0-2, 9.72) was charged with five runs on six hits, while walking two and striking out six. Clearwater starting pitcher Hoby Milner allowed only one run on five hits, as he fanned five in six innings.

Brevard County battled back in the ninth with Greg Hopkins taking a leadoff walk and Brandon Macias advancing him to third with a two-out single. Hopkins crossed the plate on a passed ball that also put Macias in scoring position and Hopkins then scored on a Rafael Neda single.

The Manatees will look to get back on track as they open a three-game series with the Tampa Yankees (8-8) on Sunday beginning at 5 p.m. at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Pregame coverage and the beginning of the game from the Manatees Radio Network will be available on ManateesBaseball.com, before AM 1300 WMEL joins the broadcast in progress.