FSL1 Fort Myers Mighty Mussels

Miracle come from behind to win opener, 9-4

Published on April 9, 2009 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels News Release


CHARLOTTE - The Fort Myers Miracle opened up their 2009 season with a well-played team victory, coming from behind in the Charlotte Stone Crabs' inaugural game. Miracle manager Jeff Smith's squad put up five runs in the top of the eighth -- all with two outs -- to break the tie and earn a 9-4 win.

Left fielder Joe Benson led off the eighth with a hard-hit single up the middle, followed by a Steve Singleton sacrifice bunt. Third baseman Deibinson Romero singled, but after the next hitter struck out the Miracle were in danger of stranding both runners and heading to the bottom of the eighth still tied.

But Yangervis Solarte rewarded Smith for starting him as the designated hitter as Solarte sparked a five-run rally with a single up the middle, scoring Benson. First baseman Rene Leveret followed suit with a center field single of his own, scoring Romero. Before the inning was over, five Miracle members crossed the plate and Alex Burnett pitched a scoreless eighth and ninth to make it official.

Santos Arias (1-0) took the victory on behalf of a Fort Myers bullpen that put up zeros from the second inning on.

Miracle starter Tyler Robertson retired the side in the first inning, but a leadoff home run in the second by Stone Crabs first baseman Matt Fields would wreak havoc with the left-hander's outing.

Charlotte plated four runs in the second as Robertson battled control problems. The 6-foot-5 Citrus Heights, Calif., native made his long- awaited return to the mound after an injury, pitching 1.2 innings and gave up three hits, walked four, and gave way to another pitcher returning from injury.

Right-hander Kyle Waldrop took over with the bases loaded in the second and induced an inning-ending groundout. Waldrop then cruised through a 1-2-3 third, at one point retiring six straight before giving way to Henry Arias, who struck out two in a perfect fifth.

Santos Arias pitched the sixth and seventh, twice escaping trouble with the highlight a nifty 6-4-3 double play the deny the Stone Crabs in the seventh.

Kevin Boggan (0-1) took the loss for the Stone Crabs. The Miracle are back in action in the home opener Friday night at 7:05, with a spectacular fireworks show to cap the evening. Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Scott Baker will take the hill in a rehab assignment.

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Florida State League Stories from April 9, 2009


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