FSL1 Fort Myers Mighty Mussels

Vielma's Late RBI Sends Miracle to 3-2 Win over Cards

Published on August 14, 2015 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels News Release


FORT MYERS, Fla. - Engelb Vielma lifted the Fort Myers Miracle to a 3-2 win over the Palm Beach Cardinals with a go-ahead RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning on Friday night with 2,048 in attendance at Hammond Stadium.

With the game tied 2-2, the Cardinals brought in left-hander Tyler Melling for the eighth inning. Zack Granite coaxed a walk from Melling (2-2). Then, Chad Christensen laid down a bunt for a sacrifice. Melling picked up the ball and threw to first, but the ball glanced off Luke Voit's glove. Granite wheeled over to third and Christensen reached second. Vielma then stepped up and delivered a line drive into left field. Granite trotted home and the Miracle took a 3-2 lead.

Going to the ninth, the Miracle called on Zack Jones to shut the door. Jones delivered with his second save of the season in a perfect frame with one strikeout.

Omar Bencomo made his second start for the Miracle and was solid over six innings, but the Cardinals scored early. In the first, Casey Turgeon reached on a throwing error by second baseman Ryan Walker. Breyvic Valera then doubled into left center and Turgeon moved up to third base. Mason Katz then hit a weak ground ball to second base. Walker threw out Katz while Turgeon scored to put Palm Beach ahead 1-0.

The Miracle tallied a pair of runs in the fourth against Cardinals starter Daniel Poncedeleon. Struggling with his command, Poncedeleon hit Tanner Vavra to start the inning. Granite then sliced a single into left. Christensen hit slow chopper to third and was retired, but the runners advanced to second and third. Poncedeleon walked Vielma to load the bases. On an 0-1 pitch, Walker hit a slow roller to second base. Valera got the force out at second, but Vielma's slide broke up a double play attempt and Vavra scored to tie the game.

Aderling Mejia came to the plate, but the first pitch from Poncedeleon was wild and Granite raced home to give the Miracle a 2-1 lead.

Bencomo held the Cardinals off the board for a second run until the sixth. Turgeon reached on a lead-off walk and moved to second on a ground out by Valera. After Bencomo struck out, Voit singled into left field. The ball skipped underneath Logan Wade's glove and Turgeon was waved around third to score, 2-2.

Receiving a no decision, Bencomo left after six innings with two runs allowed, one earned, on four hits, three walks, one strikeout and 73 pitches.

Jeff Reed entered in the seventh and tossed two scoreless frames to earn the win. Reed (1-0) struck out three and worked around two hits.

The Miracle (64-55, 26-23) complete the series with the Cardinals (65-62, 33-14) at Hammond Stadium on Saturday night at 6:05 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m. for Beer, Baseball and Boom presented by Killebrew Root Beer. The fifth annual Craft Beer Fest features over 40 craft beers and unlimited sampling from 5-7 p.m. Fans ages 21 and over can purchase tickets for $25. After the game, the Miracle will light up the Southwest Florida sky with the best fireworks show in Southwest Florida.

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Florida State League Stories from August 14, 2015


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