FSL1 Fort Myers Mighty Mussels

No relief for Miracle in 8-7 loss to Cardinals

Published on July 25, 2006 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels News Release


FORT MYERS, FL (July 25, 2006) - The Fort Myers Miracle knew they were going to have to grind it out on Tuesday night at Hammond Stadium. Using a bullpen by committee all five pitchers gave up at least a run and the Miracle blew a four run lead, losing to the Palm Beach Cardinals 8-7.

With the Miracle up 7-3 in the sixth the third Miracle pitcher on the evening, Colby Miller, loaded the bases with nobody out. Two fielders choice ground outs scored two runs and the Miracle saw their lead shrink to 7-5.

Tim Lahey took his turn on the mound in the eighth and didn't fair much better. He gave up a lead off single to Randy Roth, who moved to second on a wild pitch. After a one out walk to Matt Pagnozzi put runners at first and second, Rayner Laya loaded the bases with a single. Another fielders choice scored a run to make it a one run game and Lahey's second wild pitch of the inning allowed the Cardinals to tie the game at seven.

J.P. Martinez, the fifth pitcher used by the Miracle, tossed a scoreless eighth, but gave up a lead off homer to Kevin Collins in the ninth that proved to be the difference in the game.

The Miracle, who fell to 17-13, took the lead with a three run first to make it 3-2. Brandon Roberts and J.R. Taylor drew back-to-back walks. With one out David Winfree singled home Roberts. Steve Tolleson's lined shot off the pitcher Nick Webber ricocheted to the second baseman, Juan Lucena, who threw out Tolleson, but it scored Taylor to tie the game at two. The Miracle finished the scoring in the first with an RBI single from Deacon Burns, who finished the night 2-4, extending his hitting streak to nine games.

The Miracle made it 4-2 in the third when Roberts singled to center, stole second and scored on a one out double by Trevor Plouffe.

The Cardinals made it 4-3 in the fourth when Pagnozzi walked, went to second on a single by Laya and advanced to third on a walk to Sean Danielson. A wild pitch by Danny Powers scored Pagnozzi.

The Miracle looked like they got enough run support when they scored three in the bottom of the fourth. With runners at first and third and one out, Korey Feiner lined a single to center that scored Steve Tolleson. With runners at second and third and two out Taylor singled home a pair to put the Miracle on top 7-3, but the arms in the pen couldn't hold on to the lead.

The Miracle now head out on the road for a four game series against the Vero Beach Dodgers at Hollman Stadium beginning Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. The Miracle send RHP Josh Hill (6-2, 5.16) to the mound.

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Florida State League Stories from July 25, 2006


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