FSL1 Fort Myers Mighty Mussels

Turner Delivers RBI Triple in 10th, Miracle Sweep Crabs

Published on June 24, 2014 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels News Release


PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (June 24, 2014) - Stuart Turner's run-scoring triple in the top of the 10th inning helped the Fort Myers Miracle complete a three-game sweep of the Charlotte Stone Crabs with a 7-6 win at Charlotte Sports Park on Tuesday morning.

The victory was Fort Myers' first in extra innings in 2014. After giving up a 6-5 lead in the ninth, the Miracle rallied in the top of the 10th. With one out, Travis Harrison picked up his team-leading 20th double. Then, Turner sliced a line drive into right field. Julian Ridings let the ball bounce past him to the outfield wall and Harrison scored easily.

Mason Melotakis recorded the final three outs to earn his first save of the season. Tyler Jones, who blew the save in the ninth, picked up his first win of the year and is now 1-1.

In a game that featured multiple ties and lead changes, Patrick Leonard opened the scoring in the first inning for the Stone Crabs off Miracle starter D.J. Baxendale with a two-run homer. Tyler Goeddel led off with a single, but was caught stealing by Turner. Baxendale then issued a walk to Thomas Coyle. Leonard launched a low line drive that remained fair down the left field line to give the Stone Crabs a 2-0 lead.

The Miracle stormed back in the top of the second with three runs. Mike Gonzales singled off Stone Crabs starter Austin Pruitt. Turner lifted a double into left to put runners at second and third. After a strike out of Dalton Hicks, Pruitt surrendered a two-run single to Max Kepler to tie the game, 2-2. Advancing to second on a throw home, Kepler moved to third on a bunt from Tyler Grimes. Mejia then delivered a two-out RBI base hit into shallow right field to bring in Kepler and give the Miracle a one-run lead.

Charlotte drew even, 3-3, on a RBI double from Ariel Soriano in the bottom of the second. Trading blows, the Miracle pushed across two runs in the top of the third inning. With one out, Lance Ray doubled into left field. A ground out by Gonzales moved Ray to third. Turner then dropped a fly ball into right field in front of Julian Ridings to bring in Ray, 4-3. Hicks stood in while Turner swiped second base. Hicks then drove Turner int with a RBI base hit into right field, 5-3.

Baxendale surrendered a run in the bottom of the third. Coyle began the inning with a triple to right field. Leonard then grounded out to short to plate Coyle, 5-4. The Stone Crabs picked up another run to draw even in the seventh on a two-out RBI double by Maxx Tissenbaum.

Finishing the game with a no decision, Baxendale was done after giving up the tying run. Baxendale went 4.2 innings with five runs allowed on eight hits, a walk and five strikeouts.

In the ninth against Charlotte reliever Jose Molina, Grimes led off with an infield hit to short. Grimes then swiped second base and a Molina wild pitch moved him to third with no outs. Mejia dropped a base hit into the outfield to bring in Grimes and give Fort Myers a 6-5 lead.

The Stone Crabs rallied with two outs. With two on, Ariel Soriano, down to a final strike, scooped a slider Jones down the left field line to score the game-tying run and force extra innings.

The Miracle (45-30, 4-2) open up a six-game homestand and three-game series with the St. Lucie Mets on Wednesday at Hammond Stadium for Ladies' Night. All ladies get free admission to the ballpark including two complimentary drinks. For tickets, call (239) 768-4210 or visit www.miraclebasball.com.

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Florida State League Stories from June 24, 2014


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