FSL1 Fort Myers Mighty Mussels

Miracle Cap Wild Comeback with Three-Run Eighth

April 30, 2017 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels News Release


FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Fort Myers Miracle (11-13) stormed back from a five-run deficit to take an 8-6 win over the Dunedin Blue Jays (13-11) on Sunday evening. Max Murphy powered his first two home runs of the season to help Fort Myers avoid the series sweep.

Murphy started the scoring with a solo shot in the bottom of the first. Dunedin countered in the top of the second with six earned runs off starter RHP Chris Anderson. In his organizational debut, Anderson allowed five hits and a walk, all in the second, before his bullpen picked him up. The six-run second was aided by Mike Reeves' three-run home run. The left-handed catcher lifted a ball into a tailwind in left field as the Blue Jays led 6-1.

The Miracle began their comeback, scoring runs in all but two innings the rest of the way. In the bottom of the second Brian Navarreto drove in Miracle newcomer Shane Kennedy. An inning later, Murphy catapulted his second home run of the night to left field, making it a 6-3 game. In the bottom of the fifth, Zander Wiel singled to left where Connor Panas had trouble corralling the ball. With Chris Paul at second, Miracle Manager Doug Mientkiewicz took a risk by sending him home. The throw beat Paul to the plate, but he sneakily slid under the tag to score Fort Myers' fourth run. In the seventh, the Miracle added another tally with an RBI-single from Wiel.

While the offense went to work, the Miracle relievers did the same. Fort Myers' used three scoreless innings each from lefties Anthony McIver and Sam Clay (W, 2-0). The duo allowed a combined five hits and four walks with five strikeouts over six innings.

Down a run entering the eighth, the Miracle found themselves with the tying run at second base. In his first organizational start of the season, leadoff man Zack Granite doubled to left-center scoring Sean Miller. After Murphy was intentionally walked to load the bases with one out, Paul lifted an 0-2 pitch to center, allowing Kevin Garcia to tag and score. On the relay throw, the ball scooted away from Kevin Vicuna, and Granite came home as well, giving the Miracle an 8-6 lead.

LHP Jonny Drozd (Sv, 2) slammed the door with a hitless ninth to record the save.

Fort Myers begins a four game series to close out their ten game homestand on Monday against the Daytona Tortugas. First pitch is slated for 6:35 PM ET on a "Meat Up Monday" featuring $1 hot dogs.

To stay up to date on upcoming promotional nights, follow the Miracle online at Miraclebaseball.com or through social media; Twitter: @MiracleBaseball, Instagram: fortmyersmiracle, Facebook: Fort Myers Miracle, Snapchat: ftmyersmiracle. For further information or questions regarding the 2017 25th Anniversary Season, call the Miracle offices at (239) 768-4210.

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Florida State League Stories from April 30, 2017


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