Blue Jays shut out Bradenton to win opener

BRADENTON, FL – Gage Stanifer, Kevin Miranda and Eliander Alcalde combined to shutout Bradenton, leading Dunedin to a 2-0 series opening victory on Tuesday night at LECOM Park.

The win boosts the Blue Jays second half record to 20-21.

Stanifer started the game for the Jays and turned in four shutout innings – the righty’s first scoreless outing since June 2. Stanifer worked out of early trouble, escaping a two-on, one-out jam in the second inning with a strikeout and ground out.

The Blue Jays provided the only scoring in the contest in the top of the third inning. Carter Cunningham started the inning with a double and Nathan Lukes followed with a single, putting runners on first and third. Shortly after, Marauders pitcher Zander Mueth uncorked an errant pickoff throw to first, allowing Cunningham to score.

Later in the frame, Sean Keys lifted a sacrifice fly to center, driving in Lukes to give the Jays a 2-0 advantage.

After Stanifer’s exit in the fourth, Miranda struck out three batters across two scoreless innings.

Alcalde finished the contest with his fifth save of the season – an efficient three inning outing, requiring just 32 pitches.

Game two of the series in Bradenton is set for Wednesday at 6:30 pm. Fans can listen to the action for free online at https://www.milb.com/dunedin/fans/radio.