FSL1 Fort Myers Mighty Mussels

Swarzak Impressive in Miracle Debut, but Miracle Lose 3-2

Published on July 16, 2005 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels News Release


VIERA, FL - Anthony Swarzak made his Fort Myers Miracle debut on Saturday night at Space Coast Stadium and the 19-year-old, second round pick by the Minnesota Twins in 2004 was impressive, but the Miracle dropped a pitchers duel 3-2 to the Brevard County Manatees.

Swarzak used his low 90s fastball and big sweeping curve to baffle the Manatee hitters. He gave up just two runs in seven innings on five hits while striking out seven. He did not figure in the decision, but proved why he was called up five days ago. He retired 11 of the first 12 batters he faced, allowing just a single to Adam Heether to lead off the second. In the fifth he gave up a one out double to Steve Moss who then stole third and scored on a two out single by Jeff Eure.

In the sixth the Manatees took a 2-0 lead when Steve Sollman led off with a single to center. He stole second and scored on a two out double by Drew Anderson. Swarzak wound up striking out the side in the sixth.

Swarzak was out-dueled by Manatee starter Carlos Villanueva. Villanueva received his first loss of the season in his last start and was second in the Florida State League in ERA at 2.21. He took a no-hitter into the sixth before Kyle Phillips singled to center with two outs. Villanueva went six shutout innings allowing one hit while walking two and striking out 10, but his bullpen couldn't hold the lead.

In the seventh, Mark Zamojc led off with a walk and went to second on Jose Leger's infield single. The two runners advanced on a wild pitch and with one out Justin Arneson walked to load the bases. Ron Perodin singled to center to score Zamojc, but Leger was gunned out at the plate trying to score. Matt Tolbert followed with an RBI single to tie the game at two.

In the eighth, Miracle reliever Chris Schutt gave up a one out bunt single to Sollman. Travis Ezi then fouled off a number of 3-2 pitches before looping a single to center that sent Sollman to third. Ozzie Chavez' sac fly to center scored the go ahead run.

Former Miracle Brian Wolfe struck out the side in the ninth inning to earn his eighth save of the season for the Manatees.

The same two teams meet Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. at Space Coast Stadium. The Miracle send RHP Adam Harben (6-4, 2.60) to the hill against Manatee RHP Luis Pena (2-5, 5.03).

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Florida State League Stories from July 16, 2005


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