FSL1 Fort Myers Mighty Mussels

Swarzak Bests Garza in 7-0 Blanking of Reds

Published on August 11, 2006 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels News Release


FORT MYERS, FL - On the same night Matt Garza made his Major League debut with the Minnesota Twins, Anthony Swarzak was blowing past him at Hammond Stadium, striking out a season high 11 Sarasota Reds as the Fort Myers Miracle won their third straight game 7-0 on Saturday night.

Garza and Kevin Slowey had each struck out 10 this season, but Swarzak was able to do one better as he kept the Reds in check all night long. Swarzak struck out two Reds in each of the first three innings as well as two in the seventh and eighth innings, while recording one strike out in the seventh. Swarzak tossed four no hit innings before giving up a lead off single to Jay Garthwaite in the fifth. He didn't allow another hit until two were out in the eighth when he gave up back-to-back singles to John Purdom and Hector Tiburcio. Swarzak would leave the game after that going 7.2 shutout innings allowing just three hits while walking one and striking out 11 to earn his eighth win of the season.

The Miracle tied another season high by hitting three homers on the night. The Miracle got on the board in the second when Deacon Burns launched a solo homer over the right field wall, his fourth of the season.

Brock Peterson continued his torrid pace in 2006 by slugging his 17th homer of the season, a solo shot to left in the third that put the Miracle up 2-0.

The Miracle, who moved to 26-20 in the second half and seasom high 12 games over .500, put the game away with a five run sixth inning. Peterson led off with a double and Burns followed with a walk. Steve Tolleson laid down a sacrifice bunt, but the throw by third baseman Jeremiah Piepkorn went off the glove of the second baseman Tiburcio, which allowed Peterson to score and put runners at second and third. Luke Hughes followed with a two run double to make it 5-0 and three batters later Brandon Roberts hit a two run homer to right, his fourth of the season and third with the Miracle to put the finishing touches on the game.

It was the fifth time in nine wins that the Miracle blanked the Reds. including three straight games May 28, 30 and 31.

The same two teams meet in the finale of the two game series on Saturday night at Hammond Stadium at 7:05 p.m. The Miracle send RHP Josh Hill (6-4, 5.19) to the mound against Reds RHP James Avery (6-7, 4.96). There will be a Summer Celebration Fireworks show following the game presented by TIB Bank.

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Florida State League Stories from August 11, 2006


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