FSL1 Fort Myers Mighty Mussels

Leblanc, Miracle Halt Losing Streak in 4-3 Win

Published on July 15, 2016 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels News Release


TAMPA, Fla. - The Fort Myers Miracle snapped a four-game losing streak with a 4-3 win over the Tampa Yankees in a rain-shortened seven innings on Friday evening at Steinbrenner Field.

Facing the New York Yankees No. 5 prospect on the mound, the Miracle struck for a first inning run off Tampa starter Domingo Acevedo. Chris Paul worked a one-out walk and stole second base. Nick Gordon then extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a bouncing ball single through the right side. Paul scored from third to give the Miracle a 1-0 edge.

Tampa answered in the bottom of the first to tie the game. Thairo Estrada reached on a single to left off Miracle starter Randy LeBlanc. Trey Amburgey followed with an RBI double into the left field corner to tie the game, 1-1.

The Miracle fired back in the top of the second to regain the advantage. LaMonte Wade coaxed a walk to start the frame. A.J. Murray then roped a double into the left field corner on an 0-1 pitch from Acevedo (1-3). Joe Maloney stepped in and smacked a double off the wall in left to plate two runs. After Acevedo struck out Brian Navarreto, Daniel Kihle sliced a base hit to center and Maloney crossed home, 4-1.

In the fifth, Tampa drew to a one-run deficit. LeBlanc (3-3) struck Jake Skole with a pitch to begin the inning. Francisco moved Skole to second with a bloop hit into right field and Mason Williams lifted a single to left to load the bases. Estrada then hit a fly ball down the right field line. Maloney dropped the fly, but retired Williams at second base while Skole scored. Amburgey then hit a slow chopper to third with runners on the corners that bounced off Paul's chest allowing Diaz to cross home, 4-3.

LeBlanc went six innings for the Miracle and gave up three runs, two earned, on four hits with a walk and four strikeouts. Acevedo lasted six for the Yankees as well and gave up four runs on six hits with two walks and nine strikeouts.

After Willie Gabay entered from the Tampa pen and tossed a perfect seventh, the tarp was put on the field and the rain began to fall. After a 47-minute delay, the game was called and became final.

The Miracle (47-44, 13-9) finish a four-game set with the Yankees (53-38, 11-11) at Steinbrenner Field on Saturday at 6 p.m. Sam Clay (1-0) will make his second start with the Miracle against Josh Rogers (5-4) for Tampa. Fans can listen to the broadcast with the 'Voice of the Miracle' Brice Zimmerman on www.miraclebaseball.com.

Check out the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Florida State League Stories from July 15, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central