Pictured: Fans and players pose for photo at the Marauders 2022 Star Wars Night. Photo courtesy of Bradenton Marauders.

At 5-17, the Bradenton Marauders may be tied for last place in the Florida State League, but things could be looking up for the young buccaneers. On Tuesday night the Pittsburgh Pirates Single-A affiliate surged to a 7-3 victory over the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, blasting 10 hits and three home runs to open their six-game homestand against Fort Myers. The Marauders, who are 4-6 at home but just 1-11 away, were boosted by strong offensive nights from some of their top prospects. Infielder Garret Forrester notched a season-high three hits including his first professional home run. Minor League rehabber Joshua Palacios cracked a one-out double in the first inning and outfielder Shalin Polanco, the Pittsburgh Pirates 16th ranked prospect per MLB.com, added a two-run home run in the seventh.

The offensive outburst was a welcome sight for the Marauders. As a team, Bradenton is hitting just .181 this year and sports a -41 run differential. Tuesday night’s game, however, could be a turning point for the Marauders–Polanco, who is batting just .149 on the year, is tied for second in the league in RBIs at 14. On the mound, 15th ranked prospect Michael Kennedy is progressing well with a 3.71 ERA in his four starts. The left-hander, drafted in the 4th round of the 2022 MLB Amatuer draft, is just 19 year-old and after making his professional debut in 2023, pitched well enough late last season to earn a call up to Single-A Bradenton.

The Marauders feature a multitude of promotional nights during this week’s homestand at LECOM Park, including Thirsty Thursday–which features two-dollar beers, sodas, hot dogs and potato chips, a Friendly City Friday and Paws & Claws event on Friday night’s game and a special Star Wars Night with a post game fireworks display on Saturday, May 4.

LECOM Park, 1611 9th St W, Bradenton.

Pictured: Fans and players pose for photo at the Marauders 2022 Star Wars Night. Photo courtesy of Bradenton Marauders.

To learn more, visit