(HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C.) After scoring double-digit runs in back to back games, the Manders bats went quiet Thursday at Ting Stadium in a 3-2 loss to the Morehead City Marlins. 

The Salamanders got their only runs of the night on a two-run homer to right from Peyton Isaacson (St. Leo), his second homer in as many days and ninth hit in his last three ballgames. Isaacson would up that total to ten with an eighth inning single.

The Manders left seven men on base Thursday night, including two in the ninth inning with the tying run at second and the winning run at first. Morehead City closer Kenny Wells got back to back strikeouts to escape the jam and lock down his fifth save of the season. 

Despite the loss it was another solid performance by the Mander pitching staff. Starter Bailey Dees (Penn State) looked shaky early, allowing a run in each of his first two innings but then settled in nicely. The right-hander finished the night going 5.0 innings, allowing three runs (all earned) on five hits, striking out two and walking one. Dees took the loss on Thursday, falling to 0-1 on the year. 

Two bullpen arms did a lockdown job after Dees exited the ballgame. Robbie Hoyt (Lander) came on and tossed two scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out two and walking one. Finally, Evan Moores (Wright State) impressed in his Ting Staidum debut, tossing two scoreless frames. The sidearmer allowed just one hit, and did not strike out or walk a batter. 

The loss on Thursday was the Manders’ ninth in one run games, dropping them to 1-9 in such situations. The win moved Morehead City to 14-3 on the year, leaving them at least five games of seperation with the second place Fayetteville Swampdogs. 

The Manders are on the road Friday and Saturday with trips to Wilmington and Fayetteville, respectively. On Sunday the Manders return home for a 5:40 first pitch against the Peninsula Pilots on Dino Night at Ting Stadium. Fans can enjoy over 50 fossils from the NC Fossil Club, a live Dino painter, and other fun Dino themed games and activities!

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