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.

Grand Slam a nice finish for Miracle

Tampa 0 at Fort Myers 4

W: A. Slama (4-1, 1.03); L: P. Bartleski (2-1, 1.67)
HR: FTM: J. Portes (12).

A sac fly would have done it. Heck, a ground out would have done it. Just about anything would have worked.

Johnny Woodard had drawn a walk in the bottom of the ninth for the Fort Myers Miracle and Danny Lehmann moved him to 2nd with a sac bunt. Edward Ovalle was brought in to pinch hit for Danny Santiesteban and was intentionally walked so that Philip Bartleski could get at Rene Tosoni. But Tosoni, even coming off the DL, is a good hitter and patient and he took walk as well to fill the bags. Yancarlos Ortiz would go in to run for him and Juan Portes came up to bat.

"Juan, whatever you do, don't strike out!" Lynn says helpfully. Not that he could hear her. Portes didn't wait long enough to get walked, launching the first pitch he saw, a fast ball, over the left center field wall for a grand slam, the 2rd walk off grand slam he'd belted this season.

Prior to that, it was quite the pitcher's duel. Matt Fox limited the Yankees to 4 hits over six inning, striking out three and Jose Lugo worked the next two, issuing a single walk. For Tampa, Ryan Pope pitched 7, scattering six hits and a pair of walks while striking out four.

Anthony Slama worked the final for the Miracle, striking out one while Bartleski walked 4 over 1.1 innings and allowed a pair of hits. It was the second one that really counted.

Tomorrow is Fireworks Fan Appreciation Night with give-aways all night long for the people that only come out to watch the fireworks. Look for Alex Burnett (8-6, 3.79), who evidently did not go to Sports Clips for his last hair cut and messed it up - bad, to be on the mound.

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Iris was concerned that there wasn't an article on the Miracle in the paper yesterday, but she needs to understand that High School Football has started and the Miracle just can't compete with High School Football in Fort Myers. God help us all if the Eagles ever get a football stadium built.

Alex wants to know if I though he was going up to AA next year and I said yes. Ditto with Deolis who was sitting there, if only because of his win record. Devries will go and probably Fox as well. I think Robertson will spend another half a season here though, since he missed most of the second half of the year with tight shoulder. They all want paw prints so they can go to AA, but I want them to win a Championship first, before I hand them out. (Actually, I'll be happy if they just beat Dunedin.)

Steedley says he'll be available for the playoffs, but that blister looks painful and I can't imagine that being a big, tough, baseball player makes your skin grown any faster than it does for us normal folks. Maybe if we make it out of the first round....

Speaking of playoffs, Racetrac is hosting "Park the Park" for the playoffs, so the next time you make a pit stop at Racetrac for gas, pick up a free pair of general admission seats to the playoff game on Wednesday at Hammond Stadium and Thursday (if necessary).

The Binghamton Mets defeated the New Britain Rock Cats, 3-1 at New Britain stadium. Jose Mijares took the loss. Jay Rainville worked 5.2 innings, allowing 1 run on 3 hits and a pair of walks while fanning seven for the no decision. Brian Dinkelman, who was named the Mightiest Miracle for the second year in a row, was 0-for-4 at the plate for the Cats. Toby Gardenhire as 1-for-2 with a pair of walks, and Danny Berg was 1-for-4 with a double and the lone Rock Cats' run.

Garrett Jones hit his 22nd home run of the year, a solo shot in the fifth, to help power the Rochester Red Wings to a 9-3 win over the Scranton/WB Yankees. The former Miracle first baseman was 2-for-5, hitting a double as well and gaining 2 RBIs on the night. Brock Peterson, another former 1st baseman was 1-for-2 on the night with a home run as well. He also had a pair of RBIs and drew two walks in the game. Former Miracle shortstop Trevor Plouffe was 2-for-4 with double and a pair of runs.

Now that they've been eliminated from playoff contention, the Beloit Snappers have gotten hot, winning their third straight, 6-4 against the Burlington Bees at Pohlman Field. David Bromberg picked up his 9th win of the season. Andrew Schmiesing was 2-for-3 at the plate with a walk, a run and a RBI. Soon to be catcher Juan Richardson was 2-for-4 with a run. Every Snapper, except for Greg Yersich who was playing first base, had at least one hit, and only Yersich, and former Miracle Allan de San Miguel and Yangervis Solarte went without a run.

Dan Osterbrock and the Elizabethton Twins blanked the Pulaski Mariners 7-0 to go up 2-0, sweeping the best of three Appalachian League Championship game and repeating as Appalachian League Champions. Jon Waltenbury knocked a double shot home run over the wall in the first inning to get things rolling. He finished up 3-for-3 at the plate with a walk and 3 RBIs. Nick Romero was 2-for-5 with a run and a RBI and Angel Morales was 1-for-3 with a pair of runs.

Miracle split pair with Tigers

Lakeland 1 at Fort Myers 0

W: R. Porcello (8-6, 2.66); L: S. Steedley (1-4, 6.59); SV: J. Sborz (7)
HR: None.

Rick Porcello pitched a brilliant game Wednesday evening, limiting the Fort Myers Miracle to 3 hits in route to handing them their 10th shut out of the season.

Porcello would not allow a hit until the bottom of the 4th when Juan Portes singled off of him. Rene Tosoni would ground into a force out and Wilson Ramos claimed a single as well. But Porcello induced Johnny Woodard to hit into a double play, ending the inning.

The Miracle's best scoring chance came in the bottom of the fifth, when Edward Ovalle doubled and advanced to 3rd on a fielding error by Brandon Timm. With no outs on the board it looked to be an almost certain run, but Eli Tintor ground out down the 3rd base line, keeping Ovalle pinned for the first out. Danny Santiesteban drew a walk, which allowed Porcello to get Garrett Olson to ground into a double play, leaving Ovalle stranded.

Spencer Steedley took the start for the Miracle. Jeramy Laster singled off him in the top of the 3rd, then moved to 2nd on Timm's sac-bunt. Jeff Kunkel doubled him in for the lone Lakeland Flying Tigers run. Steedley would get Justin Justice to fly out before being replaced on the mound by David Shinskie, who worked the next 2.1 innings.

Steedley would strike out one during his 2.2 innings on the mound. Shinskie would give up one hit and one walk, while fanning one during his tenure. He'd give way to Jose Lugo for the next two, Lugo giving up 3 hits and striking out one.

Porcello worked six innings, fanning four. Jay Sborz walked Ramos to start out the bottom of the seventh, but took Woodard and Ovalle out on strikes. Whit Robbins would single, moving Ramos to 3rd, but Steve Singleton ground out, ending the contest.

There'd be a brief flurry of activity as the field was groomed and the fans patronized the concession stands before game two got underway.

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Lakeland 2 at Fort Myers 8

W: M. Williams (2-2, 3.67); L: D. Witt (3-4, 3.58)
HR: None.

Having been blanked in the first game, the Fort Myers Miracle had to do something to remind their fans that they were indeed a playoff bound team.

Steve Singleton knocked a grounder to center to lead off the bottom of the first and Edward Ovalle followed that up with a grounder ball to left. Whit Robbins doubled, plating the pair. Wilson Ramos' single scored Robbins, and Johnny Woodard's double put Ramos over the plate. Eli Tintor would go down on strikes before Danny Lehmann's line drive to right moved Woody to 3rd. Yancarlos Ortiz would ground into a force out that allowed Woody to come home before Garrett Olson popped out, ending the inning.

While I was talking to some of the younger prospects down at Gulf Coast League Sunday, I mentioned that I through Matt Williams would make a fairly descent starter. The rookies seemed to think this was a recipe for disaster, but the Professor didn't let me down, going five innings for the Miracle.

Jordan Lennerton doubled off Williams and Louis Ott took a walk. Brandon Timm would fly out to center before Jeramy Laster's sac-fly scored Lennerton. It was the only run Williams would allow. He'd allow 2 more hits while striking out five to end his term on the mound.

Blair Erickson replaced him the top of the sixth. Justin Justice drew a walk off the California native. Erickson would then unleash a wild pitch that moved Justice to 2nd. Cale Iorg's single put the Lakeland outfielder on 3rd. Michael Bertram would be hit by a pitch and Jordan Lennerton would go down on strikes before Louis Ott's ground out put Justice over the plate for the second Tiger's run.

Derek Witt worked the first three for the Flying Tigers before being replaced in the 4th by Ramon Garcia. Yancarlos Ortiz claimed a triple off the new hurler. Garrett Olson would pop out before Singleton doubled him in. Ovalle then tripled off his fellow Dominican as well, driving in Sing. Robbin's sacrifice put Ovalle over the plate for the 8th Miracle run.

The 18 game series between the two teams concludes tomorrow on the final Thirsty Thursday of the season. Cole Devries (9-9, 2.97) is expected to take the start for the Miracle, while the Tigers are expected to dish up a bit of Alfredo Figaro (9-4, 4.26). The game will feature Midget Wrestling, for those who are not into baseball.

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Take I-75 North

The Florida State League announced today that Fort Myers Miracle pitcher Anthony Slama, catcher Wilson Ramos and manager Jeff Smith have been selected to the 2008 All-FSL Team. The team features the League's best players at every position. The prestigious team is selected annually by vote of the FSL's Managers, Official Scorers and Club Sports Writers representing the 12 teams in the League. Five Dunedin players were named to the post-season squad. Jupiter's Logan Morrison was named most valuable player, while St. Lucie's Dylan Owen was named most valuable pitcher (FSL/MiLB).

The New Britain Rock Cats shut out the Portland Sea Dogs 2-0 at Hadlock Field. Former Miracle Kyle Aselton claimed his seventh win of the season, while Jose Mijares recorded his 2nd AA save (Sea Dogs).

The Triple-A Rochester Red Wings defeated the Syracuse Chiefs 4-2 at Frontier Field. Alejandro Machado, Howie Clark and former Miracle Trevor Plouffe were all 2-for-4 for the Red Wings, who are now 71-69 on the season, in third place in the North Division, although they are shut out of post season play (RD&C).

The Beloit Snappers clobbered the Kane County Cougars, 10-1 at Pohlman Field. Former Miracle Allan de San Miguel was 3-for-4 on the night with a pair of doubles, 3 runs and 2 RBIs. Juan Richardson, who will be attending Fall Instructional League was 3-for-3 with a walk, a double and 4 runs. Henry Reyes claimed the win ()Snappers).

Game one of the Appalachian League Championship series between the Pulaski Mariners and the Elizabethton Twins was postponed due to rain. The Twins host games on Friday and Saturday night, at 7:00 PM, weather permitting.

Miracle power past Flying Tigers

Lakeland 5 at Fort Myers 6

W: C. Gutierrez (3-1, 2.89); L: R. Garcia (4-3, 4.63); SV: A. Slama (24)
HR: LAK: M. Bertram 2 (6). FTM: W. Ramos (13), D. Santiesteban (6).

Danny Santiesteban's home run in the bottom of the sixth put the Fort Myers Miracle on top, and Anthony Slama came in to shut the door, giving the Miracle a 6-5 win over the Lakeland Flying Tigers.

Justin Justice and Luis Ott hit singles to open up the contest and Michael Bertram put a ball over the right field fence to spot the Flying Tigers a 3 run lead. "Wait. I want to start this over," said Twins assistant general manager Rob Antony, who was late getting ot his seat. I'm sure Alex Burnett wanted to start over as well. He walked Cale Iorg who then stole 2nd, but then got Jordon Lennerton out on strikes. Jeramy Laster flew out and Devon Thomas popped out to send the Miracle up to bat.

The home town team would not get something going until the bottom of the 2nd when Johnny Woodard was hit by a pitch. He'd move to second on Danny Berg's ground out, then came home on a Santiesteban single.

The Twins may be interested in putting Santiesteban on the mound full time, but Mr. Santiesteban does not yet appear ready to relinquish the lumber.

Bertram put his 2nd home run of the night over the wall in the top of the third inning, to make it 4-1 Tigers.

Danny Lehmann drew a walk off Duane Below in the bottom of the third and Yancarlos Ortiz singled his way onto base. After Garrett Olson popped out, Edward Ovalle singled out to left to fill up the bags. Wilson Ramos then launched his team leading 13th home run of the season over the right field fall for a grand slam putting the Miracle on top.

The bottom of the fourth would see Lehmann and Ortiz hit back-to-back singles. Below then walked Garrett Olson which sent Tigers' field manager Andy Barkett walked out to the mound to retrieve the ball from Below. He'd pass it off to Ramon Garcia who got Ovalle to pop out and Ramos to ground into a double play to end the inning.

Sarmelo Jaime singled in the top of the 5th and moved to 2nd on a wild pitch. Justice singled him ot 3rd and after a line out to Ott and a fly out to Bertram, Burnett would hit Iorg with a pitch to load the bases. Lennerton singled to drive in Jaime, but Burnett got Jeramy Laster to ground into a force out to retire the Tigers before more damage could be done.

Carlos Gutierrez replaced Burnett for the top of the sixth, getting three quick outs after allowing a lead off single to Thomas.

Danny Santiesteban then put his sixth of the year over the left field fence to put the Miracle back on top.

Despite a single to Justice in the bottom of the ninth, the Tigers did not seriously threaten through the remainder of the contest. Gutierrez got his 3rd win of the season, while Slama earned his 24th save.

Berg, Santiesteban and "Air" Ortiz were all 2-for-4, Santiesteban and Ortiz with runs, Santiesteban with a pair of RBIs. Ramos and Lehmann were both 1-for-3 with a run, Ramos with 4 RBIs, Lehamann with a walk. Ovalle was 1-for-4 with a run.

The two teams rematch tomorrow with Deolis Guerra (10-7, 4.93) on the mound for Fort Myers vs. Lakeland's Jonah Nickerson (10-3, 3.86). It is Golf Giveaway Night at the stadium. It is also Miraclefans.com annual Cheer for Tigers night. We realize the Lakeland Tigers don't have any fans, and like to give them a hurray once a year when they come into town so they will feel welcome.

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It was Ramos' fifth grand slam of the season, setting a new franchise record for the team. Ramos also ties Juan Portes for the most grand slams hit all time.

Twins prospect and former 1st rounder Henry Sanchez has reportedly left the Gulf Coast League. Twins Director of Minor Leagues Jim Rantz says that Sanchez will be taking the rest of the summer off "to regroup".

Lakeland's Jordan Tata was injured during Wednesday night's game and will reportedly retire rather then try to rehab again. Tata started the season on the injured reserve and has had a tough time coming back.

Rain, curfew suspends Miracle game

Fort Myers 2 at Clearwater 2 - Suspended

Pitching: M. Williams (FTM); Batting: F. Hernandez (CLE)
HR: None.

The game between the Fort Myers Miracle and the Clearwater Threshers was suspended after 14 innings and a lengthy rain delay.

With two outs on the board in the top of the 2nd inning, Danny Lehmann drew a walk off Joe Savery. Danny Santiesteban laced a line drive to left to plate the Miracle catcher. A missed catch by Orlando Guevara behind the Thresher plate saw Santiesteban home as well to give the Miracle two.

John Urick walked off Miracle starter Ozzie Sosa in the bottom half of the stanza. Kevin Maher singled him to second and Michael Taylor hit into a force out to put him at 3rd. Guevara then singled to bring him in. A wild pitch would put Thresher runners on second and third, but Sosa got Fidel Hernandez to ground out to end the inning.

It would stay that way until the bottom of the ninth, when Anthony Slama gave up a single to Taylor. Gary Cates sac-bunt moved him and pinch hitter Alan Robbins reached on a throwing error by Garrett Olson. A sac-fly by Hernandez plated Taylor to tie up the game. Quintin Berry singled and advanced to 2nd on defensive indifference before Slama would get Robert Watson to ground out to end the inning.

The conclusion of the game will begin at 5:00 PM on Saturday. The regular contest will follow at 6:30 and will be nine innings. Both teams will be restricted to a depleted bench and bullpen when the game resumes.

The game was suspended at 1:00 AM under the Florida State League curfew rule.

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Click it for Ticket

The Florida Department of Transportation Safety Office has partnered with the Fort Myers Miracle to encourage Miracle fans to buckle up. Local law enforcement will be “ticketing” motorist and their passengers for wearing their seat belts in the “You have been ticketed” promotion.

Local law enforcement personnel will be on hand at the August 1st game to distribute tickets to a future Miracle game to fans that are caught wearing their seat belt by the law enforcement officials.

In addition on August 29th the first 1,000 people into the stadium for the Miracle versus Tampa Yankees, who pledge to wear their seat belt every trip, every time, day and night will receive a Miracle buckle up logo baseball. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. and the gates open at 6 p.m.

Strieby, Tigers top Miracle

Fort Myers 6 at Lakeland 7

W: R. Weinhardt (1-0, 0.00); L: M. Williams (0-1, 9.45)
HR: LAK: R. Strieby 2 (14), B. Boesch (5).

I'd been wondering what was up with Matt Williams of late. Perhaps this will teach me not to be so curious.

The young Aussie reliever allowed a home run to Ryan Strieby in the ninth. The Lakeland Flying Tiger's first baseman would put this 14th home run of the season over the left field fence to end the Fort Myers Miracle's win streak.

The game started and ended with Lakeland home runs as Brennan Boesch went yard off Miracle starter Alex Burnett in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Duane Bellow would keep the Miracle off the board for four innings.

The Miracle bats got working working when Danny Berg tripled to lead off the top of the fifth. Following a strike out to Eli Tintor, Yancarlos Ortiz took a walk and Garrett Olson singled to drive in Berg. Yangervis Solarte doubled out to right, scoring Ortiz. Steve Singleton flew out to right before Wilson Ramos hit a fly ball to center to drive in Olson and Solarte. Edward Ovalle's follow up grounder scored Ramos to give the Miracle a 5-1 lead.

Kyle Person replaced Below in the top of the sixth and hit Berg with a pitch. Yancarlos Ortiz would single one out later to move Berg to 3rd and the Aussie infielder came home on Garrett Olson's ground out, making it 6-1.

With one out on the board in the bottom half of the stanza, Santo de Leon singled. Brandon Timm's fly ball to left would rive De Leon in one out later to give the Tigers 2.

Burnett would walk Carmelo Jaime in the bottom of the 7th. A Louis Ott fly ball to center moved Jaime to 3rd. Ott would go down at second, trying to stretch the hit for a double. One out later, Strieby hit his 13th home run of the season over the left field field, making it 4-6 Tigers. Burnett would be taken from the mound at that point with Anthony Slama coming in to get the final out.

Slama has been solid most of the season, but would blow the save this time around. De Leon singled and Justin Justice walked. Timm would hit a sac-bunt to move the pair. After Slama got Devin Thomas out on strikes, a wild pitch would allow De Leon to score. Jaime then singled Justice in to tie up the game.

Slama got Ott to ground out in the bottom of the 9th before Williams came into the game. He'd get Michael Bertram to ground out before giving up the yarder to Strieby.

Edward Ovalle went 2-for-3 with a run scored for the Miracle. Ramos was 3-for-5 with a run and a run scored, returning to the line up after a couple of games off. Garrett Olson was 2-for-5 with a run and a pair of RBIs. Berg was 1-for-3 but had a pair of runs in the contest.

The two teams play the last of the fireworks games Sunday night at 6:00 PM. Deolis Guerra (8-4, 4.32) will make the start for the Miracle against Lakeland's Jonah Nickerson (6-3, 3.49).

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Robertson near perfect through five

Tampa 0 at Fort Myers 4

W: T. Robertson (5-2, 2.75); L: J. Stephens (2-1, 1.06)
HR: None.

Lots of rain around the Florida State League tonight and it originally looked like we'd be playing two tomorrow, but the skies cleared and game got underway 1 minute late a 7:06 PM.

Tyler Robertson took the start, throwing a no hitter through five innings although he did labor a bit at one point walking 2. He would strike out 5, stifling the Yankees with a nice curve ball.

Garrett Olson doubled out to left to start off the Miracle offense. Yancarlos Ortiz would move him on sac-bunt, and he'd come home on a Steve Singleton double.

The Miracle would load the bags in the 3rd, but could not capitalize as Olson was called out on strikes and Ortiz flew out to end the inning.

Robertson would just keep chugging along through 3. However, in the bottom of th 3rd, Wilson Ramos went down after a final swing that struck him out, and had to be helped from the field. As Danny Lehmann was the designated hitter, the Miracle put Danny Berg behind the plate.

After getting Eduardo Nunez to ground out, Robertson would walk Luis Nunez and there seemed to be a bit of a communication problem in the way Berg was framing the plate for him. Robertson would sit Kevin Smith down on strikes, but walked Andres Perez. A bit of a conference on the mound with Berg a few adjustments and he's put Seth Fortenberry to rest on strikes as well.

There would be no such problems in the top of the fifth, as two of the three batters he faced added a couple more Ks to the Kwick Kopy "K" Korner.

In the bottom of the 5th with one out on the board, Olson would single but would get caught stealing. Ortiz drew a walk, and Singleton would pop out to put two outs on the board. Berg knocked a nice line drive to center to bring in Olson, and Juan Portes singled out to left to drive in Ortiz. Edward Ovalle's line drive to center plated Berg to make it 4-0.

Jose Lugo would take over for the top of the 6th and would allow a singled to Eddie Nunez. But this time, it seemed like Jeff Smith managed to get the GOOD Jose Lugo on the mound as we'd take no damage in the inning.

Lugo would also get through the seventh allowing a walk to Fortenberry.

Steve Singleton would smack a nice double off Tampa's Edgar Soto and would move to 3rd on Berg's ground out, but he'd end up stranded as Portes hit into a ground out as well.

Blair Erickson took over the top of the 8th, A fielding error by Portes would allow Eddie Nunez to make his way to 3rd, but with 2 outs on the board, Erickson was able to get Luis Nunez to line out send the Yankees back to the dugout with more goose eggs.

For a man who professes to like rock'n'roll, plays the guitar and named his dog David Bowie, Johnny Cash seems like a really strange selection to make for your mound music. But Cash started to "Run on for a long time" and Anthony Slama trotted on out to mound. One fly out, one single and a pair of strikes later, it was all over, as the slightly damp Miracle faithful made their way home with a happy feeling inside.

Olson, Singleton, and Ovalle were all 2-for-4, Olson with a pair of runs, Singleton and Ovalle each with a run scored. Berg was 1-for-2 with a run and a RBI; Portes was 1-for-4 with a RBI. Solarte and Lehman were the one hit wonders of the game.

The annual Independence Day Fireworks game kicks off Independence weekend Thursday night at Hammond Stadium. Matt Fox (3-3, 3.95) will kick off the on-field fireworks against Tampa's Ivan Nova (3-9, 5.10).

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Whit Robbins is not officially on the DL, but he is not playing because he has stress fractures in his back. This is the same problem that finished off the second half of last season for him. There's no return date for him, as the only cure is rest. He's been serving on and off as first base coach, spelling Slice.

With Berg catching the game, Danny Santiesteban got to serve as bullpen catcher.

Slama d-Door: Miracle clinch Western Division Championship (Video)

It's about 8 minutes long, but here is Anthony Slama pitching the final inning as the Fort Myers Miracle clinch the FSL's 1st Half Western Division Championship:


Video Source

More video is forthcoming, including Deolis Guerra pitching the first couple of innings of the game. Check out our video page a little later today (Google video is giving me a bit of a problem right now). I've also added some pictures from last night, although these are mostly Missy playing with the Girl Scouts, plus shots from Memorial Day Fireworks and the Zooperstars appearance. You can find all of these on the photo page at miraclefans.com.

Miracle down Brevard County, move closer playoff berth

Fort Myers 6 at Brevard County 4

W: A. Burnett (5-2, 3.34); L: Z. Braddock (2-3, 3.90); SV: R. Delaney (13)
HR: BRE: S. Chapman (8).

The Fort Myers Miracle got back on track against the Brevard County Manatee at Spacecoast Stadium, picking up a 6-4 win.

A Manatee, for those not from around Florida, is a slow moving aquatic mammal that eats sea grass in coastal waters and inland rivers.

Alex Burnett allowed 4 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks while fanning 2 over six. He had however, lots of run support, which started in the top of the 3rd inning.

Yangervis Solarte and Yancarlos Ortiz would both be taken out on strikes. Brian Dinkelman would walk and Edward Ovalle would be hit by a pitch to follow him onto base. Danny Valencia then walked to load up the bags. Whit Robbins would walk to force in a run. Wilson Ramos would then hit a line drive that brought in Ovalle and Valencia. Juan Portes would be taken out on strikes to end the inning.

The Manatees would take on back in the bottom of the 3rd when Darren Ford drew a walk with 2 outs, then stole 2nd base. He'd advance to 3rd on a throwing error by Wilson Ramos, and would then be doubled in by Larenzo Cain.

Danny Santiesteban would reach on a fielding error in the top of the 4th, then move to second on a wild pitch by Tees starters Zach Braddock. Solarte would get him to 3rd on a sac-bunt and Ortiz would sacrifice him home to make it 4-1 Miracle.

In the top of the fifth, Rafael Lluberes would come out to replace Braddock on the mound. He'd get Ovalle to ground out, but Valenica singled to get on base. Robbins walked and Valencia moved to 3rd on a throwing error. A line drive single by Ramos brought in Valencia for yet another Miracle run.

The bottom of the sixth would prove troublesome for Mr. Burnett. He'd get Ford out on strikes, but Cain singled and Taylor Green walked. Andy Bouche's line drive then brought Cain in. Charlies Fermaint would fly out to right before Chuck Caufield singled. Green would try to make it home, but would be taken down at the plate for the final out.

Stephen Chapman would take Burnett deep over the right field wall in the top of the 7th. Yohannis Perez then walked before Anthony Slama replaced the failing Burnett on the mound. Perez would advance to 2nd on a ground out and a wild pitch by Slama got him to 3rd. Ford's single to center brought him in. That would be all the Manatees would get however, despite a walk to Cain and three stolen bases.

With two outs on the board in the top of the 8th, Yancarlos Ortis would reach on a throwing error by Green. Dinkleman and Ovalle would hit back-to-back singles which plated Ortiz for an insurance run.

Ramos finished up the game 3-for-4 with 3 RBIs.

The two teams rematch at 7:00 on Friday with southpaw Tyler Robertson (4-2, 2.76) on the mound for the Miracle. The Manatees will counter with right hander Jeremy Jeffress (2-2, 6.98).

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Fla Today



The Florida State League and Fort Myers Miracle are pleased to announce the addition of Wilson Ramos to the Florida State League All-star Game, which will be played on June 14, 2008 at Spacecoast Stadium in Viera, Florida.

Ramos replaced Lakeland catcher James Skelton who will miss the game due to an injury.

Ramos is the 7th Miracle player named to the 2008 All-star team. It is a record number for the Fort Myers Miracle. Ramos joins second baseman Brian Dinkelman, third baseman Danny Valencia, outfielder Rene Tosoni, starting pitcher Jeff Manship and relievers Anothny Slama and Robert Delaney on the team.

A 21-year old native of Valencia, Venezuela, Ramos compiled a .236 batting average, a team-high eight home runs and 38 RBI. Signed as a non-drafted free agent, he is in his first season with Fort Myers. Last season, he hit .291 with eight home runs and 42 RBI for the Beloit Snappers of the Midwest League.

Let's Go Miracle
News Press



Ramos was not the only player honored this week as reliever Anthony Slama was named the Minnesota Twins minor league pitcher of the month. The 24-year old posted a 1.20 ERA in 11 games during the month of May. Drafted out of the University of San Diego, Slama has been lights out for the Miracle this season, compiling a 2-0 record with 9 saves, a 0.62 ERA, and 47 strike out over 29 innings.

Slama was a 39th round pick in the 2006 MLB draft. He spent his rookie season split between Elizabethton of the Appalachian League and Beloit of the Midwest League.

All in the Family?

The Minnesota Twins are holding a try out camp this Saturday at the Lee County Sportsplex. Eddie Santiesteban, the brother of current Miracle outfielder Danny Santiesteban and his brother-in-law, a grad from Judson College, Ill., will be participating in the camp. While Eddie says he as no plans for become a professional baseball player at this time of his life, it was the only way he could get his brother-in-law to participate and feels the kid has a chance to make the team.

Registration for the camp begins at 8:00 Am in front of the Hammond Stadium Ticket Office.

Anyone eligible to sign a professional contract may register, but players must be high school graduates who have not previously been drafted. They also may not fall under the restriction of major league baseball’s college agreement.

Participants should bring their own gloves and shoes, while the Twins will provide bats and balls. Tryouts are expected to last the entire day. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lunches.

The camp is conducted by the Twins player development staff.

Meanwhile, the Twins are wrapping up extended spring training for their rookie league players. The last game will be played Saturday, June 7th at the City of Palms Complex against the Boston Red Sox rookies. The Twins will then take two days off and go into a six day mini-camp. The players that will be assigned to the Elizabethton Twins will break camp on Sunday, June 15th.

Elizabethton begins their season on Tuesday, Just 17th against the Bluefield Orioles. The GCL Twins begin playing their short season schedule at the Lee County Sportplex, Thursday June 19th against the GCL Pirates.

More information on the Minnesota Twins rookie system can be found at gcltwins.com.