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FSL1 Fort Myers Mighty Mussels

Miracle Comeback Falls Short in Season-Opening Loss to Stone Crabs

April 5, 2012 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels News Release


PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - The Fort Myers Miracle scored three runs in the top of the ninth but couldn't complete a comeback as the Charlotte Stone Crabs held on for an 8-6 win at Charlotte Sports Park in each team's season debut.

Trailing 8-3 entering the ninth, the Miracle scrapped back into the game when Jairo Perez, Lance Ray and Angel Morales notched run-scoring hits to cut the deficit to 8-6. However, Chris Rearick recovered to strike out Danny Rams, who served as the potential tying run, to end the game.

The Miracle got off to a good start in the first when Oswaldo Arcia drove in Daniel Santana for a 1-0 lead off of Stone Crabs starter Grayson Garvin, who was making his pro debut.

Unfortunately for the Miracle the lead was short-lived. Twins pitcher Scott Baker, making a rehab start for the Miracle, only threw 11 pitches before leaving the game after consulting with the training staff. Edgar Ibarra came on in relief and allowed two inherited runners to score.

A two-run single by Santana put the Miracle back on top 3-2 in the second, but the Stone Crabs would score the next six runs to take a comfortable lead.

Miracle reliever Jose Gonzalez struck out the side in the third, but not before giving up three runs in the frame, including a two-run double to Derek Dietrich. The Stone Crabs added to their 5-3 lead with an RBI single from Cody Rogers in the seventh and RBI singles by Phil Wunderlich and Dietrich in the eighth to make it 8-3.

While the Stone Crabs took advantage of their chances, the Miracle couldn't come up with the big run-scoring hit. They stranded 10 base runners on the night. Trailing by two in the seventh the Miracle loaded the bases with one out but couldn't take advantage, as Dan Rohlfing was called out on strikes on a borderline pitch and Rearick got Ray to ground out to end the threat.

Santana led the way at the plate for the Miracle. From the lead off spot he went 3 for 4 with two runs scored, two RBIs and was a home run shy of the cycle. Morales was a perfect 3 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored. Arcia drew three walks, including an intentional pass.

On the mound for the Miracle, Baker only managed to get one out before being relieved by Ibarra. Gonzalez took the loss, pitching one inning and giving up three runs. Ricky Bowen was solid, pitching three innings and giving up one run and four hits while striking out three. Matt Hauser allowed two runs in one inning of work.

George Jensen picked up the win for Charlotte after navigating 3 2/3 innings without giving up a run. Rearick got the six-out save.

Luke Bailey was the only Stone Crab without a hit on the night. Wunderlich was 3 for 5 and Hecton Guevara, Dietrick, Mikie Mahtook, Rogers and Kevin Kiermaier all had two hits.

The Miracle and Stone Crabs continue their three-game series Friday at Hammond Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for around 7:15 p.m. Fans can visit their local Wendy's to pick up free tickets to the game.

Listen to the "Voice of the Miracle" Brice Zimmerman and Adam MacDonald on www.miraclebaseball.com. The State Farm Pregame Show begins at 6:45 p.m.

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