Rodriguez Delivers, Miracle Hang On In Extras
July 27, 2018 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels News Release
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The Fort Myers Miracle rallied for four runs in the top of the ninth inning to take a 6-5 lead, but had to hold on in extras, as they defeated the Daytona Tortugas, 9-8, in 11 innings on Thursday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
The Miracle trailed 5-2 entering the ninth. Taylor Grzelakowski brought home one run with an RBI single, one of his five hits on the night. It was the second five hit game for the Miracle this season. Luis Arraez, now with Double-A Chattanooga, had the other.
Then, after Alex Kirilloff singled to put two on with two out, Ben Rodriguez unloaded a three-run home run to the opposite field in right. It was his first long ball with the Miracle in his third game with the club. He had eight home runs with Low-A Cedar Rapids.
Ryan Mason came on to pitch to Daytona in the bottom of the ninth and loaded the bases with two out. Brantley Bell singled into right field to drive home the tying run, but Mark Contreras threw out Tyler Stephenson at the plate to send the game to extra innings.
In the top of the 10th, the Miracle scored two unearned runs. Daytona committed five errors in the game, while the Miracle had four. Grzelakowski brought home one of the runs with another RBI single, his fifth hit of the game.
Malik Collymore hit a two-out, two-run homer off Mason in the bottom of the 10th to tie the game. In the 11th, the Miracle picked up a run on an RBI fielder's choice off the bat of Mark Contreras.
Colton Davis shut down the Tortugas in the bottom of the 11th inning and recorded a strike out to earn his first save of the season.
Kirilloff extended his hitting streak to 10 games and raised his batting average to .383 with a 3-for-5 night. Grzelakowski was 5-for-6 with three runs scored. It was the first five-hit game of his career.
Alex Robinson and Adam Bray combined to toss four scoreless innings and strike out eight out of the Miracle bullpen. The Miracle struck out 20 Tortugas in total.
Game two of the four-game set is Friday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. First pitch is 7:05 p.m.
Florida State League Stories from July 27, 2018
- Tampa Squanders 8-Run Lead in 12-11 Loss - Tampa Tarpons
- Threshers Win Rain-Shorted Game, 6-4 - Clearwater Threshers
- Stone Crabs Blank Mets, 6-0 - St. Lucie Mets
- Pache Drives Home Two in Loss to Marauders - Florida Fire Frogs
- Tortugas Postponed Friday - Daytona Tortugas
- Tampa Tarpons Game Notes: vs. Palm Beach - Tampa Tarpons
- Florida Fire Frogs Game Notes: July 27, 2018 - Florida Fire Frogs
- Tortugas Drop Opener 9-8 in 11-Innings - Daytona Tortugas
- Rodriguez Delivers, Miracle Hang On In Extras - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
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