FSL1 Fort Myers Mighty Mussels

Gordon Redeems Error with Go-Ahead Rbi in 3-2 Victory

Published on July 25, 2016 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels News Release


FORT MYERS, Fla. - Nick Gordon capped off an eighth inning rally with the go-ahead RBI single to lead the Fort Myers Miracle to a 3-2 series opening victory over the Palm Beach Cardinals at Hammond Stadium.

Trailing 2-1, the Miracle faced Cardinals starter Austin Gomber in the eighth. After giving up just one run on 95 pitches through the first seven frames, Gomber (6-8) surrendered a double to Joe Maloney to begin the inning. A.J. Murray then laid down a sacrifice bunt to push Maloney to third base. With the infield drawn-in, Alex Perez hit a high chopper to first base. Casey Grayson elected to attempt to get the runner at home, but Maloney dove in safely to tie the game, 2-2.

Gomber exited the game after 7.1 innings and with a runner at first base after giving up three runs on three hits with no walks and nine strikeouts. Palm Beach manager Oliver Marmol went to Kyle Grana. T.J. White greeted Grana with a base hit through the left side and Perez sped to third base. After Tanner Witt popped out in foul territory, Gordon raked a two-out RBI grounder through the right side to put the Miracle on top, 3-2.

John Curtiss entered out of the Miracle bullpen and tossed a scoreless ninth with two strikeouts to record his first save in the Florida State League.

The game had been scoreless until the bottom of the sixth inning. Gomber had held the Miracle without a hit until Murray led off the sixth with a double into the left field corner. Perez laid down a sacrifice bunt and White lofted a sacrifice fly to center to bring in the first run, 1-0.

Miracle starter Keaton Steele went seven strong innings without giving up a run. In a no decision, Steele scattered five hits and issued one walk while striking out four and tossing 88 pitches, 55 strikes.

In the eighth, Fort Myers turned to Todd Van Steensel. After striking out the first two batters, Van Steensel (2-1) loaded the bases by allowing a hit to Michael Pritchard and Cole Lankford while walking Grayson. Then, on a 3-1 pitch, Edmundo Sosa hit a one-hopper to Gordon that glanced off the shortstop's glove and deflected into left center. The Cardinals plated two runs on the Gordon error to take the lead, 2-1, but set the stage for the Miracle comeback.

The Miracle (51-50, 17-15) host the Cardinals (42-53, 10-22) for the second of a three-game set on Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. Randy Rosario (5-6) will start for the Miracle and Palm Beach will send out Jack Flaherty (2-7). Gates open at 6 p.m. for a 2-for-1 Tuesday. It's BOGO madness at Hammond Stadium with buy one, get one domestic draft beers, fountain sodas and hot dogs. For a 2-for-1 ticket deal, pick up a copy of the News-Press or bring a Tuesday receipt from Bob Evans Restaurants.

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Florida State League Stories from July 25, 2016


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