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FSL1 Fort Myers Mighty Mussels

Garver and Kanzler Boost Miracle to 7-4 Victory in Tampa

July 23, 2015 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels News Release


TAMPA, Fla. (July 23, 2015) - The Fort Myers Miracle defeated the Tampa Yankees, 7-4, at Steinbrenner Field on Thursday night.

After two perfect innings from Miracle starter Mat Batts, the Yankees strung together three hits to strike for a run in the third. With one out, Kyle Higashioka doubled into left field and then moved over to third on a bunt single by Michael O'Neill. Tyler Wade then lined a single into center to bring in Higashioka and put the Yankees on top, 1-0.

In the top of the fourth, the Miracle and Yankees were delayed by a 24-minute rain delay. When play resumed, the Yankees added a run in the bottom of the fourth against Batts. With two outs, Ericson Leonora worked a four-pitch walk.

The Miracle scored three runs in the fifth to take the lead. Chad Christensen reached on a single off Tampa starter Jordan Montgomery that glanced off Miguel Andujar. T.J. White followed with a base hit on the infield and Zack Granite coaxed a walk to load the bases. Logan Wade then flared a 1-1 pitch from Montgomery into right to score Christensen. Engelb Vielma then rolled into a double play with the bases loaded to score a run and cut the Tampa lead down to one. With a runner on third, Ryan Walker laced a base hit into left for an RBI and a 3-2 Miracle lead.

In the sixth, the Yankees tied the game. Batts walked Andujar to start the frame. After retiring Leonora on a deep fly ball to center field, Batts exited in favor of Miracle bullpen arm Nick Burdi. Higashioka then flew out to left and Andujar advanced to third base. Burdi (1-1) then threw a wild pitch O'Neill at the plate and Andujar scored to tied the game, 3-3.

The Miracle answered back to regain the lead in the top of the seventh off Yankees reliever Evan Rutckyj. Wade led off with a bunt single. Vielma then laid down a bunt and Andujar threw ball into the camera well down the first base line putting runners at second third. Rutckyj (2-2) struck out Walker, but Mitch Garver smacked a two-run single into right center to put the Miracle up 5-3. Garver moved up to second base on a ground out to first. Jason Kanzler then launched a 1-0 pitch into the bleachers in right center for a two-run homer and pushing the Miracle lead to 7-3. The homer was Kanzler's seventh of the season.

Burdi was the winning pitcher for the Miracle with 1.2 innings in relief of Batts. Receiving a no decision, Batts went 5.1 inning with three runs allowed on six hits, two walks and six strikeouts.

Todd Van Steensel tossed the final two innings and gave up a run on three hits.

The series now shifts to Hammond Stadium as the Miracle (54-44, 16-12) host the Yankees (47-50, 13-14) for a 7:05 p.m. first pitch on Friday night. Fans can enjoy Miracle Treat Day courtesy of Dairy Queen and bring their dogs to the park in the fourth Dog Daze of Summer. For tickets and information, call the Miracle offices at (239) 768-4210 or visit www.miraclebaseball.com.

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