Miracle Fall in Extra Innings, 4-3, to Lakeland
Published on June 6, 2014 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels News Release
FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Lakeland Flying Tigers edged the Fort Myers Miracle, 4-3, in 11 innings on Friday night at Hammond Stadium.
Trailing 3-1 going into the eighth inning, Lakeland scored a pair of runs to eventually force extra innings. After giving up just one run in seven innings, Miracle starter Jose Berrios gave up a bunt single to Harold Castro. Then, Drew Longley lifted a single into center field. After a getting Chad Wright popped out to to third base in foul ground, Berrios allowed a RBI single to Curt Powell.
After Powell knocked in Longley, Tyler Grimes throw from center field sailed over the catcher Stuart Turner and allowed the runners to advance to second and third. Jeff McVaney followed with a sacrifice fly to right field to tie the game.
Berrios left after the eighth inning and received a no decision. With a season-high in innings pitched, Berrios yielded three runs, two earned, on eight hits with no walks and nine punch outs.
Fort Myers stranded a base runner in the tenth and eleventh innings. In the tenth, with Stuart Turner at third base and two outs, Jorge Polanco sent a drive into the right field corner. McVaney raced over and made a full extension layout catch while crashing into the bullpen wall to save the game for Lakeland.
In the eleventh, the Flying Tigers got the lead-off man aboard with McVaney reached on an error by Niko Goodrum. Lance Durhan followed with a single into right off Miracle reliever Madison Boer that put runners on the corners with no outs. Conner Harrell then ripped a first pitch from Boer (0-1) through the left side to push across the go-ahead run, 4-3.
The Miracle got a one-out single from Travis Harrison off Lakeland closer Angel Nesbitt. A ground ball to short from Adam Brett Walker moved Harrison to second. With Dalton Hicks in the box, Nesbitt tossed a wild pitch that moved the tying run to third base. Nesbitt rallied to strike out Hicks and end the game to record his 12th save of the season.
Boer took the loss, giving up an unearned run on two hits in the eleventh.
After going down 1-0 in the fourth on a Harrell run-scoring single, the Miracle answered in the sixth inning with one swing from Walker. With two on and two out, Walker ended Lakeland starter Josh Turley's 20-plus scoreless inning streak with a three-run bomb to left center field. Walker took a first pitch fastball and launched a majestic drive for his Florida State League best 13th home run.
Turley went six innings in a no decision allowing three runs on four hits with seven strikeouts.
The Miracle (35-25) finish a four-game series and eight-game homestand with the Flying Tigers (39-22) on Saturday with first pitch slated for 6:05 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m. for Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by the Lee Memorial Regional Cancer Care Center. Survivors receive free admission and can participate in a Survivor Walk with family around the field prior to the game. During the game, the Miracle will wear special pink jerseys that will be part of a silent auction with part of the proceeds going to support breast cancer care. After the game, fans are invited to stay for a spectacular fireworks display. For tickets, call (239) 768-4210 or visit www.miraclebaseball.com.
Florida State League Stories from June 6, 2014
- Bullpen Falters in 12-Inning Loss - Brevard County Manatees
- Bullpen Leads Yanks to 4-1 Win - Charlotte Stone Crabs
- Acevedo Provides Walk-Off Winner for Cardinals - Palm Beach Cardinals
- Miracle Fall in Extra Innings, 4-3, to Lakeland - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- Threshers Surrender Late Lead, Lose 4-3 - Clearwater Threshers
- Ynoa K's 11, Dominates Blue Jays in 5-0 Win for Mets - St. Lucie Mets
- Flying Tigers to Host July 4th Celebration Including Dueling Fireworks - Lakeland Flying Tigers
- Nunez's Rough Start Leads to 9-2 Loss - Clearwater Threshers
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.
