Brevard Manatees Get Stellar Pitching Performance From Salas, Defeat Fort Myers 2-1
By Brevard County Manatees // May 23, 2015
BREVARD COUNTY • VIERA, FLORIDA – Javi Salas dominated as the Brevard County Manatees (18-23) defeated the Fort Myers Miracle (20-22) 2-1 on Friday night at CenturyLink Sports Complex.
Salas (3-3, 2.61 ERA) threw seven strong innings to earn the win. He allowed just one run on six hits and fanned five.
The Manatees struck early with a run in the first inning. Omar Garcia, who was hitting in the leadoff spot for the first time all year, singled up the middle.
Chris McFarland then dropped down a bunt that resulted in a single. Garcia moved to second to put two on with nobody out. With Clint Coulter at the plate, Garcia and McFarland executed a double steal.
Coulter grounded into a fielder’s choice to first that scored Garcia. It was Coulter’s 30th RBI of the season.
The Miracle tied the game in the third with two outs. Jason Kanzler dropped down a bunt single. Kanzler then stole second. Alex Swim doubled to left to tie the score.
Brevard County regained the lead in the sixth inning. Victor Roache led things off with a walk. Two batters later, Garrett Cooper singled to left. Roache moved to third on the play. Jose Pena bounced into a fielder’s choice to third, but scored Roache in the process. The Manatees led, 2-1.
Trevor Seidenberger came on in the ninth and retired the side in order to record his third save of the season.
Brian Gilbert (1-2, 2.53 ERA) was hit with the loss. He allowed a run on one hit and two walks in three innings.
Manny Barreda pitched a scoreless eighth inning in his Brevard County debut. He only allowed a two-out walk.
The victory marked the first win in Fort Myers for the Manatees since June 4, 2013.
The series will continue in Fort Myers tomorrow.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. RHP Jorge Ortega (3-3, 2.44 ERA) will get the start for the Manatees.
The Miracle will send 2013 first-round pick RHP Kohl Stewart to the bump.
