Late Lead Slips Away in Loss to Miracle
Published on August 10, 2018 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Florida Fire Frogs News Release
KISSIMMEE, Fla. - The Florida Fire Frogs grabbed a late lead over the Fort Myers Miracle on Friday night, but saw the one-run advantage heading into the final frame turn into a 6-4 loss at Osceola County Stadium. The defeat sets a new team record with eight consecutive losses at home. The Fire Frogs have not won a game in Kissimmee since July 14.
Florida (15-29, 44-66) trailed 3-2 heading into the bottom of the eighth inning, but William Contreras (2x4, 2B, 2 RBI) pushed the home team out in front with a two-run double down the line in left to bring home Riley Delgado (3x5, 2 R) and Braxton Davidson (0x3, R, BB, RBI).
The advantage did not last long, as Ryan Costello sent the second pitch of the ninth inning from Daysbel Hernandez (0-1) over the wall in right to tie the game at four apiece. The rally continued for Fort Myers (28-19, 56-59) with a single by Ben Rortvedt. A sacrifice bunt by mark Contreras moved pinch runner Aaron Whitefield up to second ahead of a walk to Royce Lewis.
Hernandez uncorked a wild pitch to Ernie De La Trinidad, scoring Whitefield all the way from second for the go-ahead tally. De La Trinidad shot a single through the right side to plate Lewis to put the Fire Frogs behind by two.
The blown save was the fourth of the month by the Atlanta Braves' High-A affiliate in August. Reliever are now 0-4 in the final month of the season, with an ERA of 9.26 (27er/31.1ip).
C.J. Alexander (3x4, R, 3B) made his Florida State League debut on Friday night, and the State College of Florida product did not disappoint. The 6-foot-5 third baseman socked an RBI triple to dead center in the fourth inning to bring home Delgado to bring Florida within 3-1. Davidson drove the 22-year-old home with a ground out to pull the Fire Frogs within a run.
Jeremy Walker ended the eighth inning looking at his 11th loss of the season before the two-run rally by his teammates gave the 23-year-old a shot at his fourth win of the year. The right-handed hurler tossed his team-leading, 10th quality start of the season with three runs allowed - two earned - on eight hits, a walk and six strikeouts, while tying a career-high with eight innings pitched.
Jovani Moran (3-1) earned the win out of the bullpen for the Miracle. The southpaw gave up two runs on two knocks, three free passes and a punchout.
Florida will look to avoid the series defeat in game three of the four-game set at Osceola County Stadium on Saturday night. RHP Walter Borkovich (0-0, 0.00) makes his second professional start against big league rehabber RHP Michael Pineda. First pitch is scheduled for 6:31 p.m., with coverage beginning at 6:15 p.m. with the Florida Fire Frogs Pre-game Show on the Florida Fire Frogs Broadcasting Network.
Saturday night is Back to School Night at the ballpark. The first 100 kids, 14-and-under, will receive a free Fire Frogs backpack at the gates!
Florida State League Stories from August 10, 2018
- Late Comeback Try Spoiled in 10-8 Loss - Bradenton Marauders
- Tarpons Tally 15 Hits, Hang on for 10-8 Win - Tampa Tarpons
- Late Lead Slips Away in Loss to Miracle - Florida Fire Frogs
- Williams Bests Former Teammate in 4-3 Win - Clearwater Threshers
- Stone Crabs Walk off on Jays for Second Straight Night - Charlotte Stone Crabs
- Miracle Rally In Ninth To Beat Fire Frogs, 6-4 - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Cumana Catch Saves Win for Threshers - St. Lucie Mets
- Florida Fire Frogs Game Notes: August 10, 2018 - Florida Fire Frogs
- Flying Tigers Return Home Monday to Begin Seven-Game Homestand - Lakeland Flying Tigers
- Tampa Tarpons Game Notes: at Bradenton - Tampa Tarpons
- Stone Crabs Game Notes - Fri, Aug 10 vs Dunedin - Charlotte Stone Crabs
- Rick Ankiel to Throw out Ceremonial First Pitch at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on Tuesday, August 14th - Palm Beach Cardinals
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