Miracle avoid sweep, force game four

Fort Myers 5 at Daytona 3

W: C. Gutierrez (1-1, 9.00); L: J. Russell (0-1, 6.75); SV: A. Slama (3)
HR: FTM: E. Ovalle (1), W. Robbins (1). DAY: T. Thomas (1).

It seems the Miracle weren't quite as done in as some bloggers seemed to think. Indeed, the Fort Myers Miracle will live to see game four of the best of five series against Daytona, batting their way past the Cubs at Jackie Robinson Stadium Monday night.

Juan Portes would lead off with a double in the top of the 1st and Edward Ovalle smacked a home run over the left field fence, giving the Miracle a 2-0 lead. Rene Tosoni would follow it up with a single, but Wilson Ramos hit into a double play and Whit Robbins ground out to send the Cubs up to bat.

The Miracle would give the ball to Deolis Guerra, who would in turn keep the Cubs off the board until the bottom of the third, when Tony Thomas singled and stole 2nd. He'd be given 3rd when Guerra unleashed a wild pitch, and James Adduci doubled him in, cutting the score in half. Guerra would walk Ty Wright before getting Blake Lalli and Russ Canzier out on fly balls, leaving two men stranded.

Tosoni lead off the top of the fourth with a singled and Ramos doubled him in. Robbins then rocked one out of the park for two more runs, giving the Miracle a 5-1 lead.

It would stay that way until the bottom of the fifth when Darwin Barney singled and Thomas put one out of the park for the Cubs, making it 5-3. Adduci would go down on strikes and Wright would walk before Jose Lugo was brought in to replace Guerra. Lugo would take pinch hitter Marquez Smith out on strikes and induce Canzier to ground into a force out to end the inning.

Carlos Gutierrez replaced Lugo in the bottom of the the sixth and worked one inning, walking one and striking out one before giving way to Blair Erickson. Erickson allowed 2 hits and a walk over the next 1.2 innings while fanning three but keeping the Cubs off the board. Anthony Slama would strike out four, allowing a hit and a pair of walks in 1.1 innings to finish off the contest for the Miracle.

Daytona's James Russell gave up all five runs for the Cubs on 8 hits while striking out 3 over 5.2 innings. Guerra would also give up 8 hits, plus a walk, while fanning 3, but his would come over 4.1 innings and he'd allow only three runs.

Tosoni was 2-for-3 with a run and a walk, while Ovalle and Ramos were both 2-for-4 with a run each, Ovalle with 2 RBIs and Ramos with a double and 2 RBIs. Robbins finished up 1-for-4 with the home run and a pair of RBIs. Portes was also 1-for-4 with a run, but added a double instead of a yarder.

So the Miracle push it to game four Tuesday night at 7:05 PM. Alex Burnett (1-0, 0.00) will go up against the Cubs Marcos Mateo (0-1, 2.45) on the mound. The Miracle faithful can listen in to the play-by-play action with the Voice of the Miracle, Sean Fox, on WMYR AM-1410 and WCNZ AM-1660 starting a 6:50 PM.

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Yankees, Yankees everywhere: The Scranton/WB Yankees will take on the the Devil Rays affiliated Durham Bulls for the International League's Governor's Cup. In the Eastern League, the Yankee affiliated Trenton Thunder will seek a championship against the Cleveland affiliated Akron Aeros.

LEN3 lists Wilson Ramos as his top prospect pick for the Twins this year. Ramos would, in my honest opinion, benefit from a bit of plate discipline. As Alex put it "He hits into a shit load of double plays." In part, I think you have to look at which prospects are in a position to help the Twins the soonest, so I'd have to go with either Anthony Swarzak or Luke Hughes as the top prospect overall. But then, we all have our own agendas in filling out lists, don't we?

Cubs score late to take early lead in series

Daytona 5 at Fort Myers 1

W: J. Latham (1-0, 0.00); L: C. Gutierrez (0-1, 13.50)
HR: FTM: R. Tosoni (2).

Matt Fox pitched an absolutely incredible game for six innings, scattering 3 hits and a pair of walks and striking out an astounding 10 batters. But unfortunately, the bullpen could not match his performance.

Carlos Gutierrez would get Carlos Canzier to strike out swinging to start his shift in the seventh, but Steve Clevenger, Ryan Harvey and Jonathan Mota all took singles off the Miami native, scoring Clevenger to tie up the contest. A throwing error on a pick off attempt would put Harvey over the plate, putting the Cubs on top. After Darwin Barney ground out, Tony Thomas tripled off the sink-ball throwing rookie, bringing Mota home. Jeff Smith would get Jose Lugo out of the bullpen at that point, and the Dominican hurler walked James Adduci before getting Ty Wright to ground into a force out, retiring the Cubs.

Rene Tosoni would launch a solo shot home run over the right field wall in the bottom of the fourth for the Miracle. Despite out hitting the Cubs through the first six innings, it would be all that they would manage to get over the plate off the Daytona team.

Lugo would work a solid 8th inning, but despite a single to Juan Portes, the Fort Myers Miracle could not come up with a Miracle to even up the score. David Shinskie replaced Lugo in the top of the 9th. Harvey would go down on strikes, but Mota and Barney both singled. Thomas' sack bunt scored Mota and moved Barney to 2nd. Adduci would single which, combined with a throwing error by Yancarlos Ortiz, scored Barney making it 5-1 Cubs.

Whit Robbins would single off closer Brian Schlitter in the 9th, but Wilson Ramos, Edward Ovalle and Johnny Woodard all went down on strikes to end the contest in the Cubbies' favor.

Tosoni would go 2-for-3 at the plate with walk, a run and a RBI but he could not provide all the offense by himself. Portes was 2-for-4 with Steve Singleton, Ramos and Robbins all chipping in with singles and finishing off the contest 1-for-4 as one hit wonders. Ovalle, Woodard and Eli Tintor all drew walks, but were otherwise "0-fer" - the first two being 0-for-3 with Tint going 0-for-2.

Not the sort of thing that the Miracle would like to see. They will attempt to bounce back against the hard hitting Cubs Sunday evening at 7:05 for game two of the Florida State League Finals. Cole Devries (1-0, 0.00) will get the nod to take the mound for the Miracle, while the Cubs send up right-hander Jay Jackson (0-0, 0.00) out to counter.

Sunday's contest is the last game at The Bill, as the series reverts to Jackie Robinson Stadium for Monday's match up.

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When the Marlins faced the Cubs in post season play in 2003, one of the radio stations in the area held a ceremony in which a stuffed "Cub" was impaled on the bill of the 50 foot Marlin out in front of Grey's Taxidermy off I-90. Anyone know where we can acquire a big bill fish at so we can impale a cub of our own at The Bill?

Daytona has a speedway, but Lee and Collier Counties have four Racetrac locations where you can go to get free general admission tickets to the Hammond Stadium for the playoff games on Sunday. Don't forget to plan a pit stop at Racetrac on your way to the Bill Sunday night!

Miracle win in Dunedin, return home on Wednesday

Fort Myers 2 at Dunedin 1

W: C. Devries (1-0, 0.00); L: B. Mills (0-1, 2.57); SV: A. Slama (1)
HR: FTM: R. Tosoni (1). DUN: M. Liuzza (1).

For the first time in Fort Myers Miracle playoff history, the Miracle took a win against the Dunedin Blue Jays - on the road.

In 2003 and 2006, the Miracle won one against the Jays, but in each year, it was within the friendly confines of Hammond Stadium. The Miracle will still need to do that, at least once, to progress to the best of five Florida State League finals round.

Juan Portes opened things up in the first with a single. Following a pop out by Steve Singleton, Rene Tosoni took a Brad Mills pitch over the right field wall to give the Miracle two.

Cole Devries would do the rest, scattering five hits and a pair of walks over 6.2 innings while fanning 3.

The Jays would not get a man past second until the bottom of the fifth, when Chris Emanuele made it to 3rd with two men out, but Brad Emaus flew out to send the Jays back on defense.

Carlos Gutierrez would work the next 1.1 innings, allowing only 1 hit and strikeing out 2 to bring the Miracle to the bottom of the ninth.

They would turn to closer Anthony Slama to slam the door on the Jays, but Matthew Liuzza had other plans, putting one over the right field wall to put the Jays on the board, ending the shut out bid. Anthony Hatch would single before Marcos Cabral went down on strikes. Emanuele then singled, moving Hatch to second, and putting the tying runner in scoring position with only one out on the board. But Slama would induce Luis Sanchez to hit into a double play, ending the contest.

The bus ride will be a little bit nicer for the Miracle as they come home to Hammond, where they will face the Jays on Wednesday and Thursday (if necessary) to determine the Western Divsion Champion.

Alex Burnett (8-6, 3.76) will get the nod on the mound against Dunedin’s Ray Gonzalez (12-4, 3.14).

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Tosoni finished off the night 2-for-2 with a pair of walks to go with his yarder. Whit Robbins was 2-for-4 at the plate but did not factor into the scoring. Aside from Portes, who was 1-for-4 on the night with a run, Wilson Ramos and Eli Tintor hit one single each for the Miracle.

The Jays swept their playoff series against the Miracle in 2000, and won, 2-games-to-1 in 2003 and 2006.

General Admission Tickets to Wednesday's playoff game are available free at Lee and Collier county Racetracs. Tickets can be upgraded to a box seat for just $2.00.

Game one between the Palm Beach Cardinals and the Daytona Cubs was suspended due to rain with the Cards leading 4-0 at the top of the fifth inning. It will be resumed tomorrow in West Palm Beach. The series will then shift over to Daytona for game two on Thursday (Cubs.

According to an article in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune the Cincinnati Reds have not committed to playing in either the FSL or the GCL for the 2009 season. 2009 will be their last year in Ed Smith Stadium, they will be moving to Goodyear, Arizona, after the taxpayers of Sarasota County voted down funding to renovate their 20-year old Spring Training facilities. That throws in a new glitch into the already complicated FSL Divisional problem, which started when the Tampa Bay Devil Rays partnered with Ripken Baseball to purchase the former FSL Dodgers franchise, moving it to Port Charlotte for the 2009 season.

Matt Tolbert and Jose Mijares were the only two former Miracle players to receive September call ups to the major league Twins. The other five players added to the Twins were infielder Matt Macri, pitchers Bobby Korecky and Phil Humber, outfielder Jason Pridie and catcher Ryan Jorgensen.

The Miracle were selected to receive the Florida State League’s Municipality Award Tuesday. The award is given each season to the best city or county operated Sports Turf Crew. It’s the ninth time since 1990 that Hammond Stadium crew manager Keith Blasingim's staff has won the award, voted on by field managers, pitching coaches and umpires.

Miracle slip past Clearwater defense

Fort Myers 3 at Clearwater 2

W: D. Guerra (11-8, 5.26); L: A. Cruse (4-9, 3.53); SV: A. Slama (25)
HR: None.

The Fort Myers Miracle pounded out 11 hits, but came away with only three runs, Monday night at Bright House Networks Field. Still it was enough to avoid a sweep by the Clearwater Threshers, as they won, 3-2.

Clearwater would open the scoring, with Tuffy Gosewisch doubling, then moving to 3rd on Fiedel Hernandez's single. Quintin Berry sacrificed him in for the first Clearwater run.

The Miracle would not take it back until the top of the 5th when Edward Ovalle and Johnny Woodard hit back-to-back doubles, tying up the contest.

Woodard would single in the top of the 7th, and Danny Santiesteban doubled. Woodard would try to go home, but was taken out at the plate on the throw. However it did allow Santiesteban to reach 3rd. Garrett Olson's single pushed him over the plate for the go ahead run. Juan Portes doubled Olson to 3rd and after a pitching change that saw Ben Pfinsgraff replace Andy Cruse, Eli Tintor took a walk to load the bags. Pfinsgraff unleashed a wild pitch that scored Olson before Steve Singleton flew out to score the runners.

Wilson Ramos would triple in the top of the 8th and Whit Robbins would get plunked by a pitch. Edward Ovalle reached on a fielder's choice that took Ramos out at the plate before Woodard ground into a double play.

Deolis Guerra worked six innings, allowing only 1 run on 3 hits and 3 walks while striking out six. It was a substantially better start than his last outing. David Shinskie worked the seventh, walking one and striking out 1, giving way to Carlos Gutierrez in the 8th.

With one out on the board, the rookie hurler would hit Jesus Villegas Andino with a pitch. Michael Taylor struck out swinging, but John Urick reached on Woodard's fielding error. Mike Eylward singled to score Andino. After a couple of substitutions, pinch hitter Gus Milner would ground out, ending the Clearwater threat.

Olson would double in the top of the 9th, but Juan Portes flew into a double play that doubled Olson off 2nd to retire the Miracle for good.

Anthony Slama would strike out two before getting Fidel Hernandez to ground out, ending the contest.

Woodard was 2-for-4 with a double and a RBI, but also cost the Miracle a pair of runs. Olson went 3-for-4 at the plate with a double a run and a run batted in. Eli Tintor was 2-for-3 with a walk, but did not factor into the scoring. Ramos, Ovalle, and Santiesteban were all 1-for-4; Ramos with a triple, Ovalle and Santiesteban with a double and a run each. Portes would finish up 1-for-5 with a double.

The Miracle now return home for the final 2-for-Tuesday of the 2008 season as they host the Lakeland Flying Tigers for a three game series to start out their final homestand.

Alex Burnett (8-5, 3.92) will be in the driver's seat on the mound for the Miracle on NASCAR night. Johan Nickerson (11-4, 3.88) is due up on the hill for the Flying Tigers. The races get underway at 7:05 PM.

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Rene Tosoni went 3-for-3 at the plate with a home run in Monday's GCL game which the GCL Twins won. Tosoni is eligible for the FSL playoffs, and should prove to be a huge boost for the Miracle (GCLTwins).

Danny Valencia hit his 8th AA home run as the New Britain Rock Cats defeated the Portland Sea Dogs, 6-5, at Hadlock Field. Matt Tolbert was 2-for-5 with a double, a pair of runs, and a RBI on major league rehab (Sea Dogs).

Former Miracle Anthony Swarzak defeated former Miracle Brian Wolfe as the Rochester Red Wings downed the Syracuse Chiefs, 7-1. Ol' Wolfey gave up 4 runs, earned, on 10 hits and 1 walk in 3.1 innings as the Wings exploded on him.

Beloit topped Kane County 4-3 at Pohlman Field. Chris Cates was 3-for-5 with a RBI in the lead off roll, filling in for Ben Revere who went to Minnesota to consult with Twin's physician Dr. John Steubs about some loose particles in his knee, which have been causing him some discomfort. Relief pitcher Chris Anderson had an emergency appendectomy on Friday Night and was placed on the DL.

From MILB.com:

THE WEEK THAT WAS: It was a rough week for the Miracle as Fort Myers won just two of five games. But the winners of the FSL West's first-half title learned who their opponents in the divisional playoffs will be as Dunedin wrapped up the second-half title.

WHO'S HOT, WHO'S NOT: LF Juan Portes is getting hot right when the playoffs are about to begin. The Boston native is in postseason form, hitting .375 in the past 10 games (12-for-32). ... 3B Garrett Olson hasn't been as fortunate as he has just five hits in his last 34 at-bats for a .147 average.

PLAYER TO WATCH: SP Alex Burnett was dominant in an 8-1 road win over Lakeland on Aug. 21. The right-hander from Anaheim, Calif., fanned 10 Flying Tigers while walking just one over six innings for his eighth win of the season.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK: In a 15-1 road win at Sarasota on Aug. 17, DH Johnny Woodard nearly beat the Reds all by himself. The Oakland, Calif., native had three hits in four at-bats with four RBIs. Woodard singled in a run in the second inning with a fly ball to left field. In the third he got an RBI on a groundout to second. In the fifth Woodard got his third and fourth RBIs when he belted a drive over the right-field wall for a two-run homer.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "I jumped over two levels -- Advanced Rookie and Low A," SP Joe Testa told the Brick Township Bulletin (N.J.) of how he was promoted to Fort Myers. "It's exciting, and I got my first start. At first, I was surprised to get the start. I just pitched my game, and that was the best defense playing behind me, ever. All the plays they made looked routine. When they [other team] hit ground balls off me, they were harder than in the Rookie league and the guys made the plays for me. I had to adjust. Mentally, I was fine, because I had done this before, but physically, it was different," said Testa. "In the past few weeks, I was throwing only one or two innings when I'd go out there, so this was definitely different. I just made sure I loosened up."

Twins top Reds, FIL information released

GCL Reds 5 at GCL Twins 7

W: A. Sanchez (4-3, 3.62); L: L. Machuca (1-3, 6.48); SV: B. Pugh (2)
HR: RDS: D. Lutz (1). TWI: R. Tosoni (1).

The GCL Twins were ahead when a late afternoon thunderstorm interrupted, and then ended the game at the Lee County Sportsplex early.

Angelo Sanchez took the start for the Twins, picking up his 4th win of the season.

Aaron Hicks doubled to lead off the bottom of the first. Juan Sanchez struck out, but Rene Tosoni singled to score the Twin's centerfielder. Mike Gonzales hit a grounder to right to move Tosoni to 3rd, and Josmir Pinto singled out to left to drive in Tosoni. Tyler Ladendorf hit into a double play, giving the Reds a turn at the plate.

Sean Conner would lead off with walk and Frank Pfister doubled him in. Samuel Vasquez singled, moving Pfister to third, but Donald Lutz lined into an unassisted double play with Vasquez being doubled of first. Mariekson Gregorius poped up leave the Twins with a slender lead.

It would not hold up past the top of the 3rd however, as Mauricio Pimente and Alexis Oliveras hit back-to-back singles. A throwing error by Tosoni allowed Pimentel to score, tying up the game. Kevin Coddington's line drive to right put Oliveras on 3rd, and he'd score on Humberto Sosa's ground out. Conner and Pfister would both fly out, bring the Twins up to bat.

Tosoni launched one over the right field fence to tie up the game.

Lutz followed suite in the top of the 4th to put the Reds on top again.

Jakub Hajtmar singled, and moved to 2nd on Javier Brown's sac bunt. Herbert Lara reached on a fielder's choice that netted Hajtmar at 3rd. Lara then stole 2nd, and advanced to 3rd when Coddington over threw 2nd on a caught stealing attempt. Hicks singled, driving in Lara, then stole 2nd. Juan Sanchez's line drive to center plated Hicks. The Reds would call for a pitching change, bring Brodie Pullen in to replace Luis Machuca. Sanchez then stole 2nd base before Rene Tosoni singled. A wild pitch by Pullen put Tosoni on 2nd, and Gonzales walked to load the bags. The mounting excitement went for naught though as Pinto struck out, stranding the runners.

Danny Ortiz would replace Tosoni in the top of the 5th. Coddington would draw a walk sandwiched in between strike outs to Oliveras and Sosa. Conner double him in, but Pfister went down on strikes, making it a short inning for the Reds.

Bruce Pugh replaced Sanchez in the top of the sixth. Following a fly out to Vasques, Lutz would single and then move to second on Pugh's throwing error during the pick off attempt. Gregorius took a walk, as did Pimentel. Oliveras would ground into a double play though with the bases loaded to Pugh out of his jam.

Neither team would threaten much in the next 1 and a half innings before the rains, so the Twins were declared the victory. Sadly however, the Pirates defeated the Red Sox, so the Twins did not make up any ground in the standing.

Tosoni was 3-for-3 at the plate with 2 runs and 3 RBIs, including the home tun. Hicks was 2-for-3 with walk, a double, a pair of runs and a RBI. Pinto and Hajtmar were 2-for-4 each, Pinto with a RBI as well. Brown and Ortiz were 1-for-1 each, Brown with a walk and a RBI to leave Ortiz as the one hit wonder of the contest.

Juan Sanchez finished of 1-for-4 with a run and a RBI. Ladendorf was 0-for-2 with a pair of walks and a run. Lara was 0-for-4 at the plate, but had a run as well.

The Twins play a double header tomorrow against the Red Sox at the City of Palms Complex, they must win their next two and the Pirates much lose their next to for them to tie the division. Game time is 11:00 AM for the Twins final contests for the 2008 regular season.

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DSL Mariners 0 at DSL Twins 1

W: P. Guerra (1-0, 0.00); L: H. Perez (0-1, 1.42); SV: E. Alvarez (1)
HR: None.

Jairo Perez doubled in the bottom of the 4th, moved to 3rd on a wild pitch by Seattle's Henry Perez, and came home on Jairo Rodrgiuez's line drive to left.

It was the only run for the DSL Twins, but it was the only one they needed as Pedro Guerra scattered nine hits and a walk across 8 innings while striking out six to keep the Mariners off the board. Edison Alvarez shut down Seattle for the final inning, to give the Twins a win in game one of the best-of-three wildcard round of the 2008 DSL playoffs.

The Twins won on only three hits - two came off the bat of Rodriguez.

The series now shifts to the Eppy Guerrero Complex in Villa Mella for Tuesday's 10:30 AM rematch.

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The 2008 Fall Instructional League preliminary Roster and Schedule is now available online. As always, these things are set in pixels, not stone, and are therefore subject to change without notice.

You might note that Mark Hamburger's name is on the list, but he was traded this afternoon to the Rangers for Eddie Guardado (LEN3), so obviously, he won't be coming.

Of note is the position switch for Juan Richardson from 3rd base to catcher. Also making a position change is Danny Santiesteban, who will begin pitching full time after joining the organization as an outfielder in 2005.

The two new signees B.J. Hermsen and Blayne Weller will getting their first taste of the majors at the camp as well.

Game times are nominally listed as 1:00 PM expect for Saturday which some sadist has scheduled for 10:00 AM. I should not that the games NEVER start at 1:00, usually more like noon, but the official start time is "whenever the other team shows up".

Days list as "Game Day" usually but not always include an inner-squad scrimmage which can start at any time.

There will also likely be a few prospects at camp that are not on the list and while which be rehabbing injuries, most notable would be Pat Neshek, although Tyler Robertson said he'd probably pitch instructs as well.

As always, there are no official game reports being posted, nor are any stats from FIL going to be made available, much the chagrin of all you stat watchers. I will however be bringing you pictures and video from the camp so we can get a subjective look at our new draftees.

Nelson Prada will be the field manager this year, aided as always be an able coaching staff including Eric Rasmussen, Milt Cuyler, Jim Dwyer, Jose Marzan and Jeff Smith.

(Note: the printable version of the roster in in Excel spreadsheet .xls format.)

Schedule / Roster / Printable Roster

Dog days dog Miracle

Fort Myers 0 at Clearwater 2

W: C. Monasterios (5-8, 5.38); L: M. Fox (7-7, 3.55); SV: D. Brauer (3)
HR: None.

After heading over to Pelican Preserve for the golf tournament this morning, then heading back to Clearwater for a 4:00 PM game, it should come as no surprise that the Miracle were a bit lazy on the their offense.

As a result, they were handed their 9th shut out of the season - their 5th in the month of August - by the Threshers who finally crawled out of the South Division basement courtesy of the back-to-back wins.

The Miracle managed only 4 hits in the game, with Wilson Ramos going 2-for-4 at the plate. Steve Singleton was 1-for-4, Yancarlos Ortiz was 1-for-1, replacing Olson at short, toward the end of the contest.

Edward Ovalle, Eli Tintor and Danny Lehmann all took walks for the Miracle.

Ramos would double in the first inning with 2 outs on the board and was left stranded when Johnny Woodard struck out. It was the only extra base hit for the Miracle.

Matt Fox kept the Threshers off the board for the first five innings. Michael Taylor singled off the Florida native in the bottom of the sixth, but Fox took John Urick down on strikes. Fidel Hernandez singled and Anthony Mansolino took a walk. Jose Lugo would then be brought in to replace Fox, and he'd walk Tuffy Gosewisch, forcing in Taylor. A wild pitch allowed Hernandez to cross the plate.

Both runs were charge to Fox, as inherited runners. He'd give up five hits and 3 walks while fanning 8.

Carlos Monasterios picked up the win for Clearwater, allowing only 3 hits and a pair of walks over 7 innings while striking out six.

Dan Brauer came in for the final two innings, earning his 3rd save of the season, allowing only one hit and one walk while striking out three.

The Miracle finish up their road trip tomorrow with a 7:00 PM game against the Threshers. They return home on Tuesday for the final 2-for-Tuesday of the 2008 season.

Righty Deolis Guerra (10-8, 5.44) will start for the Miracle on the mound. Andy Cruse (4-8, 3.50) is due to get the start for Clearwater.

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I spoke with Pat Neshek at Gulf Coast League today and have hopefully cajoled him into attending a Miracle game. Seems he's been busy taking the doggies out to the doggy beach every evening. I promised we'd let him sit at the autograph table and sign to his heart's content if he'd show up. He did sign the four pieces I had for him today. It was otherwise a pretty profitable day, autographing wise as I also got pitching prospect Brian Kirwan who got to throw one inning in the second game of the double header on rehab and 3rd base prospect Deibinson Romero. 7'1" Loek Van Mil was also in attendance, so I think I'm just going to start carrying the Beloit team set with me whenever I go to a game.

Rene Tosoni played in the first game of today's GCL double header against the GCL Orioles. He should be ready to help boost the Miracle offense for the upcoming playoffs. Former Miracle Jay Sawatski also worked an inning in the first game of the double header, which was swept by the GCL Twins.

Beloit won game three of their four-game series against Burlington ending the Bees 9-game winning streak. Burlington secured their playoff berth despite the loss. Andrew Schmiesing led the Beloit offense going 3-for-4 at the plate with a double a run and 2 RBIs. Minnesota native Mark Dolenc was 2-for-4 a the plate with a double and a pair of runs (Bees).

Jay Rainville won his 9th AA game of the season as the New Britain Rock Cats defeat the Akron Aeros, 3-2. Danny Valencia and Brian Dinkelman were both 1-for-3 at the plate with a run each. Matt Tolbert, on major league rehab, was 2-for-4 with a RBI (Rock Cats/OSC).

The Syracuse Chiefs defeated the Rochester Red Wings 5-3 at Alliance Bank Stadium Sunday afternoon. Former Miracle Garrett Jones was 2-for-4 with a double and a run. Luke Hughes finished up 1-for-3 with 2 RBIs and Trevor Plouffe went 1-for-4 with a double.

Miracle pick up savory win

Clearwater 4 at Fort Myers 15

W: C. Gutierrez (1-0, 2.70); L: J. Savery (5-9, 4.46)
HR: None.

The boys were wondering how I was going to handle this write up and to be honest, I myself am wondering the same thing. All pitchers are entitled to bad games, but for Joe Savery, this may well rank as one of the worst game of his career.

The Clearwater lefty allowed 8 runs - all earned - on 8 hits and 4 walks while striking out one. He'd work one inning and pitch to 5 batters without recording an out before being pulled in favor of Dan Brauer.

For the Fort Myers Miracle faithful, it was a very long, but very fun night at the ballpark as the Miracle romped over the Clearwater Threshers 15-4. And that was without Danny Berg's phantom home run.

Steve Singleton and Edward Ovalle both took walks to lead off the offense for the Miracle. Wilson Ramos' line drive knocked in Singleton, but Ovalle would be taken out at 3rd on the throw in from left field. Whit Robbins then doubled to drive in Ramos and Whit might have made it to third, but he hesitated between second and third on the basepaths trying to locate the ball and that cost him any chance of beating the throw in. (Note to Whit: Watch Jeff. If he's telling you to run, RUN!) Juan Portes singled, then stole 2nd base. Johnny Woodard singled out to right to plate Portes and Berg doubled to move Woodard to 3rd. Danny Santiesteban was called out on strikes though, much to the disappointment of the Thirsty Thursday Night crowd.

Yancarlos Ortiz and Singleton both batted their way onto the basepaths before Ovalle walked to load the bags. A wild pitch by Savery brought in Ortiz and a catching error by Alan Robbins allowed Singleton to score. Ramos doubled to drive in Ovalle who'd move to 3rd on the previous play and Whit drew a walk before Razor Shine finally caught a clue and got Savery off the mound. Brauer would allow a line drive to Portes that plated Ramos but finally found an out when Woodard poped a ball foul and Al caught it behind the plate. (Here in after, their Robbins is "Al", and our Robbins is "Whit". This game report is going to be convoluted enough as it is.) After Berg's phantom home run was waved off, he'd hit a sac fly to center to score Whit. Santiesteban's line drive brought in Portes before Ortiz, batting around the line up, ground out to end the inning.

In the top of the third, Ozzie Sosa walked Quintin Berry and Rob Watson was hit by a pitch. Mike Taylor singled out to right to drive in Berry giving the Thresher a run before Gus Milner went down on strikes and Kevin Mahar flew out.

Sing would get hit by a pitch to start off the bottom of the 3rd, and Ovalle took a walk. Al passed a ball which advanced the two runners and Ramos would then single to drive the pair in. Whit and Portes would both get fly outs and Woody a strike out to give Clearwater a chance again.

John Urick and Fidel Hernandez drew walks from Sosa, who is down in the High A trying to learn to keep those walks to a minimum. Al would go down on strikes before Gary Cates singled to bring in Urick, helped in part by Berg's fielding error. Berry hit into a force out to score Hernandez. Barry was actually out, but was awarded first on a throwing error by Ortiz. Watson would strike out bringing the Elizabethton Twins Miracle back up to bat.

The bottom of the fourth saw Berg walk and Santiesteban single. ("And I have to wonder," I said to Ed, "When the holiday season comes around, if anyone ever calls him Danny Santiesteclaus.") Ortiz's line drive plated Berg and Sing's fly ball to right advanced the runners. A sac-fly by Ovalle brought in Santiesteban before Ramos and Whit went down on strikes.

Carlos Gutierrez replaced Sosa in the top of the fifth and allowed a walk to Taylor. A wild pitch moved the runner to 2nd and Milner's fly out advanced him ot 3rd. Mahar would then be called out on strikes - evidently much to his surprise - and Urick doubled to bring in Taylor.

Razor sent Ben Pfinsgraff out to the mound for the bottom of the 5th, and got three quick outs.

Our Thresher's buddy Al singled in the top of the sixth and Cates flew out to right. Cates is, by the way, the big brother of Twins prospect Chris Cates who is currently playing in Beloit and who will likely make the Miracle squad next season. Berry singled and a wild pitch by Gutierrez moved Al to 3rd. Berry got caught stealing 2nd however and Watson popped out to sent the Miracle back up to bat.

Having had some success in the fifth, Pfinsgraff was invited back out to the mound for the sixth. After getting Santiesteban to ground out, he'd give up back-to-back singles to Ortiz and Sing, and allowed a double to Ovalle that plated Ortiz. Ramos' ground ball to right drove in Sing adding two more the Miracle total.

That would actually do it for either side. Jose Lugo, Matt Williams and Blair Erickson all pitched an inning a piece for the Miracle, while Pfinsgraff worked the seventh and Ben Schlitter worked the eighth for Clearwater.

Sing was 3-for-4 with 4 runs and a walk, Ramos was 4-for-5 with a double, 2 runs and five RBIs. Ortiz was 3-for-5 with a pair of runs and an RBI while Santiesteban was 2-for-5 with a run and a run batted in.

Late minute defensive switches Danny Lehmann and Eli Tintor were the only players to go hitless, while Garrett Olson was the only one hit wonder in the game.

The fun continue tomorrow as the Miracle, a.k.a. the Newark Eagles, take on the Clearwater, a.k.a. the Homestead Grays on Negro Appreciation League Night. Matt Fox (5-6, 4.25) will be on the mound for the Miracle and throwing out the first pitch at 7:05 PM. Come early and enjoy free hotdogs from 6:00 to 7:00 as well as $1 beer and sodas on Happy Hour Friday.

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Joe Benson was at the game last night. He'd said he'd likely to be ready to play for instructs (which assumes, of course, that he'll be invited to instructs.) Brent was complaining because he'd only sign five things, but I never have any problems with Joe. In fact, he seemed quite happy to see me. I had actually pulled all the stuff I have for the players on the disabled list, since you never know who'll show up in the stands this time of year, but Brett inadvertently reminded me to check my Miracle card album and low and behold, I have things there that need autographs.

Rene Tosoni is still taking batting practice, but has not been cleared for running yet, pushing his return back again. At the rate he's going, he might end up being done for the season.

The Miracle and Threshers will be wearing Authentic Negro League uniforms for Friday night's game as it is Negro League Appreciation Night. (Miracle)

Former Miracle Luke Hughes was called up to AAA Rochester Thursday. He was 1-for-5 (w/ a single) in his first AAA game as Rochester lost to Pawtucket, 7-6. Another former Miracle, Anthony Swarzak, made his AAA debut on Wednesday night, picking up an 8-3 win over the Pawsox. LEN3 is reporting that Livan Hernandez will likely be cut loose by the Twins in order to make room for former Miracle Francisco Liriano to join the major league rotation. Liriano was part of the 2004 Miracle squad.

Speaking of Red Sox, the latest word is that they are now checking out Disney's Wide World of Sports, another slap in the face to the taxpayers of Lee county. We really need to have a dump the Red Sox night at Hammond Stadium.

Miracle hold off Sarasota, ready for Yankees

Sarasota 3 at Fort Myers 5

W: A. Burnett (3-1, 2.97); L: L. Ondrusek (0-1, 4.01); SV: R. Delaney (9)
HR: SAR: D. Stubbs (2). FTM: D. Valencia (5).

Despite giving up 10 hits to a good Sarasota team, the Fort Myers Miracle managed to keep the Reds off the run board for the most part, picking up a 2 run lead in the first, and hanging on to it to win, 5-3.

Rene Tosoni would draw a walk in the first with one out on the board. Danny Valencia then put his 5th home run of the season over the left field fence to further his case for a trip to Brevard County in June for the Florida State League All-star game.

Alex Burnett worked two quick innings for the Miracle, but found a bit of a problem in the third. With one out, Eddy Rodriguez would single a fly ball to Portes. Michael DeJesus did the same thing, but this time Portes was not really paying attention and missed it, allowing a double to DeJesus and a run to Rodriguez. Jose Castro hit a single, then stole 2nd base, but Burnett would get the next two batters to fly out to end the inning.

The Miracle took the run back though in the bottom of the inning, when Tosoni tripled, then scored on Valencia's ground out.

Consistently throwing between 88 and 92, Burnett allowed some hits, but it was hard to string them together for the runs. Justin Tondi singled in the top of the fifth, but a 72-MPH change up got Michael DeJesus to ground into a force out. Jose Castro would double out to center to bring in DeJesus, but Burnett got Todd Frazier to ground out to end the inning.

Brian Dinkelman singled in the bottom of the 5th and Tosoni drew another walk, but the potential was wasted when Valencia ground out and Johnny Woodard and Edward Ovalle were both taken out on strikes by Sarasota starter Daniel Guerrero.

Drew Stubbs would go yard over the left field fence to give the Reds their third run of the game.

Logan Ondrusek replaced Guerrero on the mound for the Reds in the sixth, allowing a single to Portes and a double to Robbins that brought in the speedy Bostonian. Allan de San Miguel and Yancarlos Ortiz would both be taken out on strikes before Brian Dinkelman took a walk. Tosoni smacked a single out to left that brought in Robbins, but Dinkelman decided to try to two bases on the play and got caught in between 2nd and 3rd, getting tagged out before he could get back to second. It's the probably the first time I've seen a judgment error on the basepaths from Dinkelman. However, the Miracle had their two run lead again.

Jose Lugo would replace Burnett for the seventh, and into the 8th, but with a runner on base in the 8th, field manager Jeff Smith turned to ace closer Rob Delaney to put the game to bed. Delaney got Heisey to pop out to end the inning, then got the bottom of the Reds order out on strikes in the ninth to close out the proceedings.

Tosoni played a good game, going 2-for-2 at the plate with a pair of walks, two runs and 1 RBI. Robbins was 2-for-4 with a run and one RBI. Ovalle would also go 2-for-4 but did not get in on the scoring, hitting a single in the first that struck Guerrero, causing a momentary break in play while the visitor's hurler was checked. He also singled in the bottom of the third, but the effort was wasted when Portes ground into a force out.

Woodard and de San Miguel were both 1-for-4 with a pair of strike outs. Ortiz also had a pair of strike outs in the contest.

A bunch of dogs move into the park tomorrow, and I'm not talking about your four footed friend. The Yankees show up for the first of a three game series against the Miracle with a 7:05 start time.

Southpaw Tyler Robertson (1-2, 3.47) will begin the game on the mound for the Miracle, while Ivan Nova (2-5, 4.31) will throw for Tampa.

The Yankees are without pitcher Mark Melancon (1-0, 2.84), who was promoted to Double-A Trenton. In turn, they received Kevin Whelan down from the Thunder. There is no updated on Yankees ace Eric Hacker, who was placed on the DL a week ago with a blister.

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* Breeze photographer Vandy Major was at the game last night, so be sure to check out the print edition of the Breeze for some of her wonderful pictures!

Clinton 3 at Beloit 11

W: M. Tarsi (1-6, 6.85); L: J. Quintero (2-1, 7.23)
HR: BEL: C. Parmelee (7).

Chris Parmelee may have belted his 7th home run of the season, but it was Jair Fernandez and Steve Singleton who were the big story in this game. The pair were 4-for-5 in the middle of the line up, Fernandez with 3 runs and 2 RBIs, while Singleton had only 1 run and 2 RBIs.

Ben Revere continued to be impressive - going 3-for-5 with 1 run and 1 RBI, while Parmelee finished up 2-for-4 with a walk, 3 runs and 2 RBIs.

Clinton's Jorge Quintero was victimized for 11 Snappers runs on 13 hits and 2 walks in 3.1 innings. His only strike out was to Mark Dolenc in the second. Mike Tarsi went six innings for Beloit, allowing 3 runs on 9 hits and 2 walks while striking out 7, for his first win of the season.

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New Britain 2 to Binghamton 5

W: S. Aguilar (3-0, 3.58); L: O. Sosa (1-3, 7.20); SV: E. Kunz (8)
HR: NBR: D. Winfree (9). BIN: D. Murphy (5).

Former Miracle Erik Lis was 2-for-4 with a run and David Winfree cracked his 9th ball out of the park, but the Rock Cats could not over come the B-Mets.

Lis opened up the top of the second by doubling his way onto base. Winfree followed that up by putting one over the left field fence. That would be all the Cats would see off B-Mets starter Salvador Aguilar.

Oswaldo Sosa gave up 5 runs on 9 hits and 4 walks while striking out 3 for his third loss of the season.

The Cats should be happy to see the Sea Dogs at home on Friday as they have struggled on the road this season. They have one more game against the B-Mets however, Thursday at 10:35 AM, before returning to the New Britain Stadium for a weekend series.

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Rochester played an early game on Wednesday, defeating the Columbus Clippers 10-7. Click HERE to read the game recap.

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Tonight! Bark at the Park with the Miracle!

Miracle rally past Mets

Fort Myers 7 at St. Lucie 3

W: E. Simonitsch (1-0, 0.00); L: S. Clyne (0-2, 17.28)
HR: FTM: D. Berg (2).

The Fort Myers Miracle rallied past the St. Lucie Mets in the 9th inning to pick up game two of the four-game series, 7 to 4.

Whit Robbins lead off the late inning charge with a walk then moved to second on Danny Santiesteban's sac-bunt. Danny Valencia then doubled, and Brian Dinkelman was intentionally walked to load the bags. Rene Tosoni then tripled to bring in three. A Juan Portes single to left brought in Tosoni. Despite a double by Woodard and a walk by Danny Berg, the Miracle could not capitalize again and Wilson Ramos struck out and Whit Robbins popped out with the bases loaded to end the inning/

The Miracle got on the board first when Berg sent a ball over the left field wall for his second home run of the season.

Ramos would reach on a throwing error by J. Voyles in the top of the fifth inning and Robbins followed him onto the bags with a walk. A wild pitch by Mets' starter Nicholas Carr moved the pair. After a strike out to Santieseban, Yancarlos Ortiz singled to drive in Ramos, to give Fort Myers a 2 run lead.

With two outs in the bottom of the sixth, Miracle starter Alex Burnett would allow back-to-back singles to D.J. Wabick and Lucas Duda. A walk to Jason Jacobs loaded the bases. Josh Thole would double to drive in 3. Fort Myers field manger Jeff Smith lifted Barnett at that point, bringing in reliever Danny Vais.

The Miracle would tie the game in the 8th inning when Woodard singled, moved to second on Berg's ground out and came home on a Wilson Ramos single to center, setting the stage for the 9th inning heroics.

Errol Simonitsch, who was added to the roster on Thursday out of extended spring training picked up the win in relief.

Berg was 2-for-4 on the night with 1 run, and 1 RBI courtesy of the home run, Woodard as 2-for-5 with 1 run. Valencia was 2-for-2 with a run in relief of Ortiz, and got to play a bit of shortstop in the game as well.

Tyler Robertson (0-2, 3.86) will step on to the mound tomorrow for Fort Myers as the series continues at Tradition Field. The Mets will sent Eric Niesen (0-3, 5.33) to the hill for a 6:00 pm first pitch.

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Two former Miracle players were sent to Fort Myers from New Britain to rehab at the Lee County Sportsplex. Both were added to the extended spring training roster. Brandon Roberts, who played for the Miracle in 2006 will continue to rehab a left injury he sustained last month. David Shinskie, a reliever from last season, has been sent to to the sunshine state to work on some shoulder stiffness.

The Twins Extended Spring Training Squad will play at home on Saturday with a 12:30 PM start at the Lee County Sportsplex. They play Boston on Tuesday for a noon start. They will take Wednesday off then start a 3-game homestand, facing Cinci on Thursday, Pittsburgh on Friday and Baltimore on Saturday. Visit GCLTwins.com for additional information.

Beloit 3 at Burlington 0

W: D. Berlind (3-2, 3.54); L: E. Cegarra (1-3, 1.93); SV: S. Steedley (2)
HR: None.

Danny Berlind limited Burling to only 2 hits and 2 walks over seven innings while striking out 5, Friday night at the Beloit Snappers blanked the Burlington Bees, 3-0.

Chris Cates single in the 8th broke the eggs for the Snappers. Garrett Olson would single the speedster home for the 1st run of the game.

Steve Singleton's line drive in the top of the 9th got things starter. Joe Benson would draw a walk and Greg Yersich would hit a grounder to right to bring in Singleton. Ben Petsch's line drive would score Yersich, to give Beloit their 3rd run of the game.

Petsch had the only multi-hit game, going 2-for-4 at the plate with 1 RBI. Benson was the only player without a hit, going 0-for-3 at the plate with a walk.

The two teams rematch on Saturday with the first pitch slated for 6:30 PM central time.

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New Britain 11 at New Hampshire 12

W: J. Vermilyea (2-0, 3.45); L: A. Gabino (3-2, 2.61); SV: M. Gallo (2)
HR: NBR: D. Winfree 2 (7), D. Martin (2). NHM: R. Patterson (3).

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats out-slugged the New Britain Rock Cats 12 to 11 to pick up a home win in the first game of the three game series. Both teams pounded out 15 hits each.

The Fisher Cats shelled former Miracle Oswaldo Sosa for 5 runs on 7 hits and 4 walks while striking out 2 in just 4.0 innings. New Hampshire's Ricky Romero lasted a bit longer, going 6.1 innings but gave up 7 runs on 10 hits and 4 walks while striking out 4.

David Winfree was 2-for-5 at the plate with 2 runs and 4 RBIs. Both of his hits went yard, the first with 2 on in the 1st inning, the second in the 6th inning. Dustin Martin was 2-for-3 at the plate with 2 walks, 2 runs and 4 RBIs. He'd also find the fence, this time in the 8th inning.

Steve Tolleson was 2-for-4 with a walk, 2 runs, and 2 RBIs; Brock Peterson was 3-for-4 with a walk and a run. Trevor Plouffe was 2-for-5 with a run, but he also struck out twice. Erik Lis and Toby Gardenhire each recorded singles, Gardenhire with a walk and a run as well, and catcher Drew Butera when 2-for-4 at the bottom of the order with 2 runs and 1 RBI.

Only former first rounder Matt Moses went hitless, striking out twice during 5 at bats.

Former Miracle Kyle Phillips, currently a Toronto farm hand, went 4-for-4 with three runs scored for the Fisher Cats.

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Buffalo 4 at Rochester 3

W: R. Rundles (3-1, 4.80); L: T. Lahey (1-2, 5.06); SV: R. Bauer (7)
HR: None.

The light-hitting Rochester Red Wings managed to tie the game up in the 8th to the delight of the home town crowd at Frontier Field, but the Bisons found the game winning runs in extra innings.

Brad Snider doubled off Tim Lahey to drive in Jason Tyner for the game winning run.

Former Miracle Alexi Casilla got the rally started in the 8th with a single. Dennard Span would be called out on strikes, but Jason Pridie managed to reach on a force attempt when Buffalo 1st baseman Ryan Mulhern botched his throw. Darnell McDonald's single brought home Casilla and put runners at the corner. Brian Buscher would draw walk before Randy Ruiz would bring in Pridie with a line drive to right. Garrett Jones tied up the contest when he sacrificed in McDonald.

McDonald and Ruiz were both 2-for-5 in the contest, McDonald with a run and a RBI, Ruiz with just an RBI.

Former Miracle Brian Duensing allowed 2 Bison runs on 7 hits and 1 error while striking out 3 over six innings.

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RHP Danny Graves will be promoted to Rochester from Double-A New Britain on Saturday. Graves is 2-0 with a 3.60 ERA in seven games for the Rock Cats. Graves will take the roster spot of LHP Glen Perkins who will be promoted to the Minnesota on Saturday and start for the Twins vs. Boston. It will be Perkins' first Major League start. The Miracle will likely loose a reliever to New Britain to replace Graves. Closer Rob Delaney (0-2, 0.54, 8 Svs) is most likely going to get the promotion to Double A.

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Homestand Happenings



Wednesday, May 14: “Islands Night” brings residents together to promote the history and lifestyle that is seen daily on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. The festivities, presented by Bailey’s General Store, include a pre-game parade at 6:15 p.m. followed by the Miracle hosting the Sarasota Reds at 7:05 p.m.

Miracle sweep Threshers

Clearwater 2 at Fort Myers 3

Record 8 - 6

W: A. Slama (1-0, 0.00); L: B. Schlitter (0-1, 3.18)
HR: None.

Rene Tosoni doubled in the bottom of the 9th, brining in Danny Valencia to give the Miracle the run they would needed to end Thursday night's pitching duel and win the game, and the series, against the Clearwater Threshers.

Starters Tyler Robertson for the Miracle and Antonio Bastardo for Clearwater worked four scoreless innings to start off the contest. Robertson would surrender the first run, in the fifth inning, with Carlos Leon doubling out to right. A catching error on Robertson - with an assist to first baseman Johnny Woodard - allowed Matthew Spencer to reach and Leon to score.

Leon's run would be considered unearned, given up on 6 hits and two walks while striking out 5 over 5.

The bottom of the sixth would see the Miracle take the run back, with Woodard taking a walk, and Rene Tosoni getting hit by a pitch. Following a fly out to Wilson Ramon, Danny Santiesteban singled to drive in Woodard.

The teams then exchanged runs in the 8th inning. Matthew Spencer would single off pitcher Matt Fox and move to 2nd on a sac bunt by Gus Milner. P.J.Antonio's line drive moved Spenser to 3rd. Following a walk to John Urick that loaded the bases, Welinson Baez hit into a force out that allowed Spencer to cross the plate. Alan Robbins would strike out swinging ot end the inning with men stranded at the corners.

Woodard singled in the eighth, and Rene Tosoni and Wilson Ramos both drew walks to load the bases. Danny Santiesteban would ground into a force out that would see Woodard out at home, with the bases loaded. A pitching change to Brian Schlitter saw pinch hitter Brian Dinkelman draw a walk that forced in a run, tying up the game again and setting up the stage for the Miracle win in the ninth.

Woodard was 3-for-4 with a run and a walk to lead the offense, while Juan Portes was 2-for-5 but did not figure into the scoring.

The win puts the Miracle in second place in the West Division standings, 1 game behind Dunedin who lost their last 2 to the Tampa Yankees. 14 games in, Clearwater is posting a 4 - 10 record which is NOT the league worst. That dubious honor belongs to the St. Lucie Mets, who have only won two games thus far in the new season.

The Miracle now travel to Sarasota for a brief 2 game series against the Reds. Friday's game begins at 7:00 and Saturday's at 6:00 at Ed Smith Stadium. The Miracle return home Sunday for a 5:05 contest against the Lakeland Flying Tigers.

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Up in New Britain, Dustin Martin continues to lead the Rock Cats offensively, posting a .395 average over 11 games with 9 runs and 8 RBI's. Steve Tolleson is batting .161 over 9 games, while Erik Lis, playing in the outfield, is hitting only .154, having only 6 hits in 39 at bats over 10 games. Former Miracle first baseman Brock Peterson is hitting only .196 in 12 games, but has 3 home runs to his credit.

The Rock Cats hold a 6-6 record, good for forth place in the six team Northern Division of the Eastern League.

Down in Beloit, short stop Steve Singleton leads the team in batting, hitting .395 (17 hits, 43 at bats) in 12 games. Outfielders Chris Parmelee and Garrett Olson are in second and third, hitting .351 and .283 respectively.

The Snappers are 5 - 9 on the season, dead last in the 8 team Western Division of the Mid West League.

Three Canadian Crushers

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The original Canadian Crusher - Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins. The 2006 league MVP hails from British Columbia.


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The Fort Myers Miracle version of the Canadian Crusher, Rene Tosoni. Tosoni is also from British Columbia and is in his second year of Professional Ball. He is being rushed a bit through the system as he was signed as a 21-year-old, so we shall see if he can handle the play at the High-A level.

Tosoni is a little bit more versatile than Morneau or Waltenbury as he can also play 3rd base and outfield.

Last season he hit a combined average of .300 in games spit between rookie Elizabethton and Low-A Beloit.


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Jon Waltenbury from Ontario, picked by some to be Morneau's likely replacement despite the number of good first baseman at the upper levels. Minnesota would like to hang on to Morneau for as long as they can, which would allow Waltenbury time to develop. He had some trouble connecting during his first year of professional ball, hitting only .244 for the rookie level Gulf Coast League Twins, but is reportedly tearing the cover off the ball in extended spring training this year.

And a bonus...Ed and Justin on Opening Night


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If found it somewhat strange that our News Press blogger should show up for opening night in Owls gear and wearing RED no less, when the Miracle were playing the Reds, but what can you do?

You can find Ed's blog online Here. (Note that the link moved from last year.)