FSL1 Fort Myers Mighty Mussels

Dolenc Delivers as Miracle Walk Off in 11 Innings, Pull into First-Place Tie

Published on August 4, 2009 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels News Release


FORT MYERS -- One pitch. That's all Mark Dolenc needed with the bases loaded to send the home fans happy at Hammond Stadium in a 4-3 victory over the Charlotte Stone Crabs.

Lefty Brian Flores (0-5) battled control problems in his one and one- third innings, walking five batters during the span. He escaped a bases-loaded jam in the tenth inning, but it all caught up to him in the eleventh as the Miracle tied the Stone Crabs for first place in the South Division.

Chris Parmelee was walked on four pitches to start it off, followed by another free pass to Nick Romero, who had been trying to hand the Stone Crabs an out with a sacrifice. Estarlin de los Santos bunted toward third to advance the runners at the cost of a run.

With Parmelee at third and Romero at second, the Stone Crabs chose to intentionally walk Joe Benson, who had singled on a line drive to left- center in his last at-bat, to load the bases for Dolenc.

The Minnesotan native crushed a first-pitch fastball to deep right- center where it short-hopped the wall, and Parmelee trotted in for the game-winner. Despite the distance, Dolenc had to settle for a single.

Charlotte had jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after a half-inning, only for Fort Myers to plate three in the bottom of the first inning. Charlotte tied things up in the top of the fifth, where things remained until the final bases-loaded blow.

Dolenc finished 2-for-4 with an RBI, while the rehabbing Alejandro Machado (2-for-4), Parmelee (2-for-3, 2 RBI), and de los Santos (2- for-5) had multi-hit games.

Henry Arias (3-3) notched the win after two scoreless innings of relief. Starter Santos Arias lasted five and two-thirds with three earned runs on seven hits. He walked five and struck out three. Miracle pitchers issued seven total free passes in the game, while the Stone Crabs combined for a staggering 14.

Steve Hirschfeld (4-5, 2.08) will lead the Miracle to Port Charlotte for a Tuesday night matchup at Charlotte Sports Park. He'll oppose left-hander Jake McGee (0-1, 6.75) at 7:00 p.m.

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Florida State League Stories from August 4, 2009


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