FSL1 Fort Myers Mighty Mussels

Miracle need 12 innings, but win 4-3 over the Threshers

Published on June 22, 2006 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels News Release


FORT MYERS, FL (June 22, 2006) - After the emotional rollercoaster of the past two weeks and not reaching their ultimate goal of a division title, the Fort Myers Miracle could have rolled over on Thursday night at Hammond Stadium against the Clearwater Threshers. Instead, they gritted it out for 12 innings and came away with a 4-3 victory.

The Miracle and Threshers are familiar with extra innings, playing an epoch 20 inning contest on April 13 which the Miracle lost 4-3 at Hammond Stadium. The Miracle made sure it didn't go that far by ending it in the 12th. Luke Hughes led off the inning with a walk. Trevor Plouffe sacrificed him to second and Erold Andrus followed with a walk to put runners at first and second. Justin Arneson's grounder to third forced Andrus at second which put runners at the corners with two outs. Alexi Casilla drew a walk to load the bases and then Brandon Roberts hit a ground ball down the first base line that went off the glove of a diving Bryan Hansen and scored Hughes for the game winner.

The game reached extra innings when the Threshers tied it in the eighth. Brian Burgamy led off with a single to right off of Miracle reliever Chris Schutt. He stole second and with two outs Bryan Hansen singled to left center to drive him in and tie the game at three.

The Threshers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the third when Miracle starter Anthony Swarzak ran into control problems. He gave up a lead off single to Brad Harman and walked Matt Thayer. After a sac bunt by Tuffy Gosewisch moved the runners up, Swarzak walked Tim Moss and Brian Burgamy to force in a run. With two outs he walked Brandon Florence to force in another run. Swarzak went 5.0 innings allowing two runs on four hits while walking four and striking out six. The bullpen, however, was strong. Jose Mijares, Schutt and Tim Lahey went 7.0 innings allowing one run on three hits while walking three and striking out six.

The Miracle, who are now 1-0 in the second half 1-0, took the lead in the fifth when Hughes singled with one out. Plouffe doubled him home and advanced to third on the throw to the plate. With two outs Arneson tripled home Plouffe to tie the game at two and the next hitter, Casilla, singled home Arneson to give the Miracle the lead.

The same two teams meet Friday night at Hammond Stadium at 7:05 p.m. The Miracle send RHP Josh Hill (3-2, 6.56) to the hill against Thresher LHP James Happ (3-7,2.80). It is Happy Hour Friday presented by Budweiser Select, Shoeless Joe's Sports Café and WXKB 103.9. It is also Dog Daze of Summer II presented by the Beasley Broadcast Group.

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Florida State League Stories from June 22, 2006


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