Lakeland issues Miracle their 8th shut out of the season

Lakeland 9 at Fort Myers 0

W: J. Nickerson (11-3, 3.66); L: D. Guerra (10-8, 5.44)
HR: LAK: M. Bertram (7).

"What's wrong with Deolis tonight?" Iris was wondering in the first inning.

"What's always wrong with Deolis?" We'd been talking about who would be getting promoted and who would be staying--Spencer Steedley says "I'm staying", and I said I thought Guerra would be staying with the Fort Myers Miracle as well.

"He's been in this league for FOUR years!" Alex Burnett exclaimed. Actually, it's more like 2 1/2 as he split 2006 between Hagerstown and Port St. Lucie.

"But he's not progressed Alex," I remind him. Although he does have a better win/loss record than he did last night. Still, after tonight he's probably leading the Florida State League in walks, so I'm not sure how you can consider him a candidate for promotion.

"Unless they promote him and put him in the bullpen." Which wouldn't be a bad idea. Too bad we don't have anyone to take his place right now.

In any case, Michael Bertram picked up right were he left off on Thursday night, cracking home runs over the fence as the Lakeland Flying Tigers issued a 9-0 drubbing to the Fort Myers Miracle.

Guerra issued walks to Justin Justice and Louis Ott before Bertram's 7th home run of the season went over the right field wall. Jeremy Laster and Jordan Lennerton followed it up by drawing walks, as did Brandon Timm, loading the bags. Gustavo Nunez ground into a force out that scored Laster, and took Timm out at 2nd. Jeff Kunkel ground out, but plated Lennerton while he was doing it. Carmelo Jaime would be called out on strikes.

"How long are they going to leave him out there?" I often wonder those things myself, but no one was warming up in the bullpen.

Guerra managed to get through the 2nd inning, with only a walk to Bertram.

He was back in action in the 3rd however, leading off with walk to Lennerton. Timm doubled and Nunez singled, which drove in Lennerton and put Tim on 3rd. That did it, as Jeff Smith fetched Matt Williams out of the bullpen. Kunkel would sacrifice in Timm, although I'm fairly certain it was an accident and he was really trying to hit it over the fence. Jaime singled to move Nunez to 3rd and Justice walked to fill the bases. Ott's fly ball to center turned into a sac-fly as Nunez scored. Michael Bertram lined out to send the Miracle up to bat.

Jonah Nickerson held the Miracle to 4 hits and a walk over 7 innings, striking out 3. Indeed, the Miracle never put enough of an offense together to threaten.

Williams would go on to work four innings, Oswaldo Sosa took one, and Blair Erikson took one, allowing a single and walking 2, but managing to keep the Tigers off the board.

Lennerton would take a walk in the top of the ninth off Danny Santiesteban. Timm doubled him to 3rd, and Nunez's sac fly would score him. Kunkel and Jaime would both walk as well, before Santiesteban got Justice out on strikes.

Ryan Perry would walk Woodard in the ninth, but there were no last minute rally attempts as the Miracle were quietly blanked during a golf give away night.

The rubber-game of set is Saturday night with a special 6:05 start time. Steedley (0-3, 10.59) should be on the mound for the Miracle. "Son of a Sailor" the Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band will perform a post-game concert.

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The two Lobanov's left to play for Team Russia in some European Tournament or other. Nicky did this last year about the same time as well.

Team USA lost to Cuba in 11 innings in Olympic action. Former Miracle Terry Tiffee finished up 2-for-4 at the plate to lead the US attack (USABaseball.com / Duensing's Blog). The US stormed back however to take a 5-4 win over Team Canada. Brian Duensing, another former Miracle, hurled 3.1 scoreless innings of relief to pick up the win as the US improved to 2-2 in the Beijing games (USABaseball.com).

Twins prospect Ben Revere was honored by the MWL Managers in the most recent issue of Baseball America as Best Batting Prospect, Best Strike Zone Judgment, Fastest Baserunner, and Most Exciting Player. Revere currently leads the league in batting average (.380) and on-base percentage (.433), while also tied for second in stolen bases (41) and third in slugging percentage (.498). Ben also leads the Snappers in average, hits (122), doubles (17), triples (9), stolen bases, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. Revere will be finishing the 2008 season with Beloit. Look for him to be in a Miracle uniform when the 2009 season opens.

Four different Miracle were honored in the same article as the best in the Florida State League. They are Anthony Slama (Best Reliever), Wilson Ramos (Best Defensive Catcher), Yancarlos Ortiz (Best Infield Arm), and Jeff Smith (Best Manager Prospect). All ranking were compiled by field managers in their respective leagues.

Dunedin now leads the West Division by 10.5 games over the Tampa Yankees with 16 games left to play in the season. While anything is possible, it appears the Miracle will one again dance with Dunedin in the playoffs. Jupiter is currently leading the East Division, but has only a one game lead over Daytona.

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.

Lazy bats lead to Miracle loss

Dunedin 7 at Fort Myers 2

W: N. Starner (3-0, 2.25); L: S. Steedley (0-3, 10.59); SV: C. Polanco (5)
HR: DUN: C. Emanuele (8), M. Cabral (4).

Danny Santiesteban pitched the last two innings, much to the delight of the home town crowd in what was an otherwise unmemorable game at Hammond Stadium Monday night.

Only a fraction of the announced 1.622 people that turned out for Bobblection were still in the crowd when Santiesteban took the mound.

Spencer Steedley made his second start for the Miracle, giving up 5 runs, all earned on six hits a walk while fanning two. "They want him to work on some things that he can only work on as a starter," Matt Fox explained of the change. Oswaldo Sosa has been moved back to the bullpen, not unexpected following Sunday's blow out.

Marcos Cabrel put his 4th home run of the season over the left field wall to lead off the top of the second, the first run Steedley would surrender.

The trouble started in the 3rd when he walked Chris Emanuele. Brad Emaus doubled Emanuele in, then moved to 3rd on a David Cooper single. Cory Patton singled to drive in Emaus. Marcos Cabral took a walk to load the bags, and Anthony Hatch was walked to force in Cooper. Steedley would finally get Al Quintena to ground into a double play to retire the Jays.

Steve Singleton doubled in the bottom of the 3rd then came home on a throwing error by Emaus at 3rd that also allowed Ovalle to reach. The Miracle batted light again, getting only 4 hits over the first six inning and making the opposing pitchers look like future hall of famers.

Emanuele launched is 8th home run of the year over the left field wall in the bottom of the 4th, to finish off the scoring.

Southpaw Nathan Starner worked five innings for Dunedin, allowing only 1 unearned run while scattering five hits and a walk. He'd fan six.

Edward Rodriguez took over the for the 6th allowing a walk to Johnny Woodard and a single to Wilson Ramos.

Things would not heat up again until the bottom of the eighth when Quintana tripled off Santiesteban. A throwing error by shortstop Yancarlos Ortiz turned it into a in-the-park home run as Quintana was awarded an extra base on the play.

On the whole Santiesteban did not do too badly. He hit 94 several times and was regularly throwing 90 on the speed gun. His change up was reportedly around 79 miles per hour. (Yes, Eddie, I have video. Hold your horses, it's uploading as fast as it can.)

Woodard would take a walk in the bottom of the 8th and moved to 2nd on Ramos' single. Eli Tintor's ground ball to single drove in Woodard for the second Miracle run. Dunedin brought in Celson Polanco and the big 6'5", 245 lb hurler put the Miracle to bed, striking out Danny Lehmann and Garrett Olson to finish off the inning.

Emaus would single and Cooper walked in the top of the 9th. Patton flew out to center, but Cabral's gound ball single would be dropped by Ovalle, allowing Emaus to score. It was not called an error and was counted as an earned run. Santiesteban then got both Hatch and Quintana to fly out, send the Jays out to field.

The Miracle made small of any attempted rally in the bottom of the 9th, and the remaining crowd took their bobbleheads and left.

Of the seven hits on the board, Ramos accounted for 3 of them, going 3-for-4 at the plate with a double. Ovalle and Tintor were both 1-for-4, Ovalle with a double, Tint with a run batted in. Portes and Singleton finished up 1-for-5, Sing with a double and a run. Woodard, who was 0-for-2 with a pair of walks added a run.

The two teams rematch tomorrow with Matt Fox (6-6, 3.84) going to the hill for the Miracle against Dunedin's A.J. Wideman (4-5, 5.80). Fox says he's on his regular schedule as he last pitched Thursday and they had the double header on Saturday.

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Barack Obama reportedly won the Bobblection, with 5oo bobbles going against John McCain's 419. (Miracle) Not everyone at Hammond Stadium was convinced of Obama's victory however. "We'd like a recount," said a member of Miss A-Miracle's Fun-is-Good Paw-ty. "We noticed a lot of Chads hanging around the stadium, and believe a recount is in order. Oh, sure, Obama brought along Donkey from Shrek as a mascot, but don't be fooled. It's clear that the people's choice for a good time is none other than our one and only Missy."

Other members of the Fun-is-good Paw-ty felt it unfair that their candidate was not represented with a bobblehead. "We believe some votes were bought off by the promise of this toy," said Missy's head of public relations. "Our candidate would have been the landslide winner if the contest had been run fairly."

There was a Pat Neshek watch in effect at the stadium but despite the fact that the "non-existent" fans and autographers were all in attendance and loaded for bear, the former Miracle pitcher never showed. "I can't believe he forgot about the game," said one grapher. "After all, what else is there do to in Fort Myers?"

Reds walk off winners after Miracle blow 9 run lead

Fort Myers Miracle 10 at Sarasota 11

W: T. Young (1-1, 2.16); L: J. Lugo (2-5, 4.53)
HR: FTM: D. Berg (6), W. Robbins (5). SAR: J. Francisco (20).

Despite home runs by Danny Berg and Whit Robbins, the Fort Myers Miracle could not hold on to an early lead, losing 10-11 to the Sarasota Reds in extra innings Sunday afternoon at Ed Smith Stadium.

Juan Portes singled in the top off Red's start Matt Klinker. Singleton doubled and Danny Berg singled to drive in Portes. After Whit Robbins went down on strikes, Wilson Ramos sacrificed in Singleton. Johnny Woodard would take a walk, and Danny Santiesteban doubled to drive in Berg and Woodard. Garrett Olson's single would plate Santiesteban before Yancarlos Ortiz went down on strikes.

Yuber Rodriguez walked in the bottom of the first, and a passed ball by Ramos moved him to 2nd. Heisey singled to score Y-Rod to put the Reds on the board.

The Miracle took the run back on Berg's solo shot homer over the left field fence in the top of the 2nd.

Garrett Olson would single in the top of the fourth, and Portes doubled him in, one out later. Singleton doubled to plate Portes, then moved to 3rd on Berg's ground out. Robbins launched his fifth home run of the season over the right field wall adding two more, to make the score 10-1. That did it for Klinker as the Reds brought in Steve Ottness, who got Wilson to ground out, giving the Reds a chance at bat.

Ozzie Sosa gave up a single to Juan Francisco in the bottom of the 4th and Todd Frazier doubled. Logan Parker would single to score the pair before Sosa could get Carson Kainer to ground into a force out and Daniel Perales to line out. Justin Tordi would single to move Kainer to 3rd, but Jake Long flew out to end the inning.

Y-Rod doubled in the bottom of the 5th, and Chris Heisey singled him in. Francisco took a walk, before Frazier lined out. Parker would sacrifice in Heisey. Sosa then issued walks to Kainer and Perales, and Jeff Smith walked out to the mound to retrieve the ball, giving it to Blair Erickson. Tordi would double off Erickson however to clean off the bags and Long's follow up line drive brought in Tordi before Erickson could get Y-Rod to strike out swinging.

Francisco's homer in the bottom of the 6th saw the Miracle's lead evaporate completely, leaving the game tied.

Sosa would leave the mound, having allowed 8 runs, 7 earned on 8 hits and five walks while fanning 3 in 4.2 innings. Please get well soon Tyler Robertson, we need you desperately! Erickson would give up 2 on 3 hits and a pair of walks, fanning 5 over 2.1 innings. Anthony Slama worked the next two, walking 2 and striking out 4 to take the game into overtime.

The Miracle bats fell silent after the fourth inning, getting only 1 hit off Ottness, one off Joseph Krebbs, and 3 off Zach Stewart. They'd take a walk off Terrell Young in the top of the 11th, but he'd strike out two, bringing the Reds up to bat.

With one out on the board, Jose Lugo would walk Perales, then hit Justin Tordi with a pitch. Long would fly out, but Lugo walked Y-Rod to load the bags. He then walked in Heisey to force in the game winning run. I'm sure Mr. Lugo had much to think about on the bus ride back from Sarasota.

Portes and Singleton both finish up the contest 3-for-6 with a pair of runs and a RBI each. Portes had a double, Sing had two. The two yard birds, Berg and Robbins, were 2-for-5 each, Robbins with 2 runs, Berg with one, Each had 2 RBIs,and Berg also added a walk on the side. Olson, down near the bottom of the order, was also 2-for-5 with a run and a RBI. Woodard and Ortiz finished up 1-for-5, Woody with a walk and a run. Santiesteban was 1-for-4 with a double and a run and a pair of RBIs. Danny Lehmann, pinch hitting for Ramos, was 1-for-2 with a walk.

The Miracle now head home to for a six-game home stand that starts out with three against the Dunedin Blue Jays.

Spencer Steedley (0-2, 10.38) will get the start against Dunedin's Adrian Martin (6-2, 4.85). Start time is 7:05.

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Monday is Bobblection night!

The popular Goldklang Group promotion is back and Fort Myers Miracle fans have a chance to let their voices be heard on which candidate should be the new president. Voting begins at 6 p.m.

Bobblection allows Miracle fans to cast votes by choosing a bobblehead doll with either Barack Obama or John McCain's likeness.

Upon entering Hammond Stadium, fans will be directed to actual Lee County Election voting machines to cast their vote. After voting electronically, the fan then will pick up their bobblehead of choice. The first of the candidates to run out of all 500 bobbleheads will be declared the winner.

The Miracle are the sixth and last team of the Goldkang Group to vote, and the results of the Bobblection will be tallied and announce shortly thereafter.

The Goldklang Group provides operational consulting and management services in all areas relating to sports franchise and event acquisition, promotion and operation.

Bobblection is the one non-guaranteed promotion for season ticket holders. You MUST be a the game to receive a bobblehead.

While the Miracle were blowing a 9-run lead in Ed Smith stadium, the Miracle of the future, the Jake Mauer coached GCL Twins were rallying past the GCL Reds at the Lee County Sportsplex. Anderson Hidalgo was 2-for-5 for the Twins with a pair of runs and a pair of runs scored, including a home run. The Twins are battling the GCL Pirates for the South Division lead and a playoff spot.

Brandon Roberts was promoted to AA New Britain Saturday. He takes the spot of former Miracle Brock Peterson on the Rock Cats roster. Peterson was promoted to AAA Rochester. The Centralia, Washington, 1st baseman was 0-for-4 with 1 strike out in his first Red Wing's game on Sunday.

Let's Go Miracle, Ed Pelegrino's blog on the News Press is holding a survey. You might also receive one of 15 Whit Robbins card to be given away. If you get your daily Miracle fix here at www.miraclefans.com, please stop by, take his brief survey, and write in www.miraclefans.com for question #4. Don't forget to register for the Whit Robbins card give away.

Team USA's exhibition game game on Saturday against Team China was cancelled. Team USA faces Korea on Wednesday at 6:00 a.m. for their first Olympic game. (USABaseball.com)

Tampa blasts past Sosa, Miracle

Fort Myers 1 at Tampa 7

W: I. Nova (7-11, 4.24); L: O. Sosa (2-1, 4.59)
HR: FTM: D. Santiesteban (5).

It seems like not too long ago, it was the Fort Myers Miracle who were beating up on the Tampa Yankees. Tuesday night, in a game shortened to 8 innings by rain and lightning, it was the Miracle who were victimized.

Danny Santiesteban's solo shot home run in the top of the fifth would be the only tally for First Half West Division Champs. His fifth of the season, Santiesteban's blast went over the left field wall to prevent the Miracle from being shut out.

Tampa, on the other hand, did not have to worry about such things. Luis Nunez lead off the bottom of the first with a single to Edward Ovalle, then stole 2nd base. Eduardo Nunez reached on a fielder's choice as Yancarlos Ortiz fired the ball to Juan Portes at 3rd to take Luis out. Eduardo then stole 2nd. Kevin Smith would take a walk and the pair would steal 3rd and 2nd. Following a line out to Josh Kreuzer, Seth Fortenberry's ground ball to right allowed Nunes and Smith. Fortenberry decided he could run for second, but was caught out just past first base and was taken down on the throw.

In the bottom of the 2nd, Andres Perez doubled. A throwing error by Fort Myers starter Oswaldo Sosa moved Perez to 3rd. After a ground out by Mitch Hillgoss, Jose Gil sacrificed Perez in, giving the Yankees a 3-0 lead.

They would double that in bottom of the third, with the Nunez boys taking a walk off Sosa. The pair then stole 2nd and 3rd before Smith and Kreuzer were called out on strikes. A single to Fortenberry scored the pair, while Fortenberry moved to 2nd on the throw in from right. Perez then singled to plate Fortenberry. Matthew Williams would replace Sosa at the point, allowing a single to Hillgoss, but Perez was taken out at 3rd to end the inning.

Sosa, who had filled Tyler Robertson's rotation space effectively, would allow 6 runs, 5 earned, on five hits and 3 walks while striking out 3 over 2.2 innings. Williams would go for the next 4.1 innings.

"The Professor" would hit Perez with a pitch in the bottom of the sixth, and Hilligoss would double him in to give the Yankees their seventh run.

Santiesteban would pitch the final out before the game was called for lightning in the area. I still entertain visions of Santiesteban getting a grand slam to put the Miracle on top in the bottom of the eighth inning during the FSL championship game, then coming in to pitch to close out the game in the ninth. Ah...but playoffs are still 28 days way.

For the time present, Santiesteban went 1-for-1 with a walk and a hit by pitch, plus a run and a RBI on the yarder. Garrett Olson would finish up 2-for-3, and Brandon Roberts was 2-for-4. Ortiz would lock up the one hit wonder title, going 1-for-4 at the plate.

Fort Myers will try to get something going Wednesday night at Casa de Steinbreener. The Miracle is reporting that Cole Devries (8-8, 2.97), not Matt Fox, will take the 7:00 PM start against Tampa's Zach McAllister (6-5, 2.01), weather permitting.

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My computer's power supply blew out last night. I expect to be back online later tonight unless things are worse than I feared. I have a mini-feature on Cole Devries in the works that I had hoped to run today as well, but that's being put off for at least another day.

Miracle Rally past Reds late

Sarasota 2 at Fort Myers 3

W: J. Lugo (2-4, 4.19); L: R. Medina (2-7, 3.33)
HR: FTM: W. Ramos (12).

Brandon Roberts line drive out to center plated Danny Berg for the game winning run in the bottom of the 9th inning, a nice win in a game that, for a long time, looked like it might see the Fort Myers Miracle shut out.

Jose Castro doubled in the top of the first off Deolis Guerra and Juan Francisco's line drive to left plated him to put the Sarasota Reds on the board.

Deolis Guerra would limit the Reds to that lone run on six hits over five innings, but he'd walk six and fan only one. Scott Carroll on the other hand blanked Miracle, scattering six hits a walk over six innings while fanning two.

The Miracle finally found some action in the bottom of the 7th, with Joseph Krebs taking over the mound for Carroll. He'd give up a home run to Wilson Ramos. The Venezuelan catcher launched his 12th home run of the season over the center field wall to finally put the the Miracle on the board.

Logan Parker doubled off Carlos Gutierrez in the top of the 8th and moved to 3rd on Carson Kainer's sac bunt. Daniel Perales doubled to drive in Parker, putting the Reds back on top. Blair Erickson would come in at that point to get Justin Tordi to strike out and Jacob Long to ground out.

With two outs on the board in the bottom of the stanza, Brandon Roberts drew a walk, and Yancarlos Ortiz followed that up with a single. Edward Ovalle's line drive to right plated Roberts to tie up the game again. Ruben Medina would replace Krebs on the mound, getting Ramos to fly out to end the inning.

Erickson would walk Chris Heisey, who would be advanced by Castro's sac-bunt. Erickson then intentionally walked Francisco to get at Todd Fraizer, who flew out. Jeff Smith would then put Jose Lugo into the game, and the Dominican reliever walked Parker to load up the bags. But he'd put Kainer down on strikes, much to the delight of 900 or so fans still in attendance.

Berg walked to lead off the bottom of the ninth and Juan Portes singled to move him to 2nd. Smith would keep signaling for a bunt, first with Portes then with Tintor so perhaps it was not surprise that Tintor ended up striking out once the bunt was off. A wild pitch moved Berg and Portes around and Medina intentionally walked Santiesteban to get at Garrett Olson, who would pop out. That's when Roberts walk-off RBI came on a single out to Heisey in center, and set off a feel good win that had the guys jumping around on the field like they'd just won the world series.

Roberts finished up 3-for-4 on the night with a walk, a run and a run batted in. Ortis was 2-for-3 while Ovalle, Ramos, and Portes were all 2-for-4. Ovalle had a RBI, while Ramos added a run and a run scored. Santiesteban finished up 1-for-3 with a walk, while Berg, who was 0-for-2 at the plate had a run on a pair of walks.

The Miracle head off on a six game road trip starting off Tuesday night in Tampa where Ivan Nova (6-11, 4.37) will toss out the first pitch at 7:00 PM. The Miracle will counter with Oswaldo Sosa (2-0, 3.52).

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Jose Mijares was promoted prior to the game, I believe to the Rock Cats. It would have been nice to hang onto him, but we already knew it was only a matter of time before he went up.

What up with the Miracle? It's pretty obvious that their play of late has been not up to par. That's because Jeff Smith has been working the team hard on drills and trying to get them ready for the up coming playoffs. Up until about a week ago. He's now started to lay off, let the guys use the skills they've learned, and get a little bit of breather before they head down the home stretch.

From MiLB.com:

THE WEEK THAT WAS: The Miracle split their six games last week, chalking up two wins over Dunedin and a win over Clearwater to end the week. The Miracle are in fifth place, seven games behind Dunedin in the FSL West.

WHO'S HOT, WHO'S NOT: C Wilson Ramos has been opening some eyes with his bat. With 16 hits over his last 40 plate appearances, Ramos has been hitting at a .400 clip. In his last nine games Ramos has 12 RBIs and a home run. ... SP Deolis Guerra has been tagged for 10 runs in his last nine innings pitched.

PLAYER TO WATCH: CF Danny Santiesteban has been giving FSL pitchers headaches in recent days, averaging nearly an RBI a hit. The Miami native has 12 RBIs in his last 10 games while racking up 13 hits in 33 at-bats for a .394 average.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK: Ramos was responsible for a third of the Miracle's 15 runs in a 15-4 home win over Clearwater July 31. The native of Venezuela had four hits in five at-bats, including a double, for five RBIs. The right-handed hitter began the game with a run-scoring line drive single to left as part of a three-run first inning for Fort Myers. He drove home two more runs in the second on a double to center, singled to center in the third for another RBI and plated another run in the sixth on a ground ball to center.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "He always told me to put away the bat and start pitching," RHP Carlos Gutierrez told the Fort Myers News-Press of how his high school coach coaxed him to pitch, which he first began in his junior year of high school. "I played infield for a good part of my life."

Ft. Myers Miracle catcher Wilson Ramos is the Twins Minor League Player of the Week for July 27-August 2. Ramos, 20, hit .433 (13-for-30) with three doubles, a home run, four runs scored and 10 RBIs in six games. Ramos entered the season as the Twins third ranked prospect by Baseball America. He was signed as a non-drafted free agent, July 7, 2004.

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.

5-run fifth inning dooms Miracle

Fort Myers 6 at Dunedin 7

W: R. Gonzalez (9-3, 3.56); L: D. Guerra (10-6, 4.89); SV: C. Falkenbach (20)
HR: None.

Deolis Guerra would not make it out of the fifth inning, giving up 5 runs - a total of 7, 6 earned - on 9 hits and 4 walks. He'd strike out only one.

As a result, the Dunedin Blue Jays took a five run lead and were able to hold off the Fort Myers Miracle until the end of the contest, winning 7-6 at Knology Park.

Steve Singleton opened the game with a walk, then moved to 2nd on a wild pitch by Reider Gonzalez. After Danny Lehmann popped out, Wilson Ramos doubled Singleton in for an early Fort Myers lead.

Chris Emanuele singled in the bottom of the inning, then moved to 2nd on a wild pitch by Guerra. Brad Eamau took a walk and a passed ball by Lehmann advanced the pair. Cory Patton's ground out would score Emanuele, tying up the game.

In the bottom of the 2nd Adam Calderone walked, then stole 2nd. Al Quintana singled to move him to 3rd, and a Luis Sanchez sac-fly plated him for the Jay's second run of evening.

Juan Portes reached on a fielding error by Brad Emaus and moved to 2nd on Garrett Olson's single. Eli Tintor singled as well, loading the bags. Danny Santiesteban then hit into a force out that scored Portes to tie up the game again.

Patton lead off the bottom of the fifth with a walk. Brian Dopirak singled and Jesus Gonzalez doubled to plate the pair of runners. Marcos Cabral singled to bring in Gonzalez and Calderone tripled in Cabrial. At the point field manager brought Spencer Steedley into the game, replacing Guerra. Steedley allowed a single to Quitara which drove in Calderone but finally found an out as he got Sanchez to ground into a force out. Emanuele wold single before Emaus and Patton both ground out to end the inning with runners on second and third.

The Twins now had a lot of catch up work to do, so they got to it with Johnny Woodard and Portes hitting back-to-back singles. The Jays would then call for a pitching change bringing Chad Blackwell into the game to replace the outgoing Gonzalez. Blackwell would get Olson to ground into a force out that took Woodard down at 3rd. Tintor would fly out before Santiesteban singled to score Portes. Yancarlos Ortiz would reach on a throwing error that also plated Olson before Singleton popped out to finish off the top of the sixth.

In the top fo the 7th, Lehmann would be plunked by a pitch. Ramos and Woodard hit back-to-back singles to load the bags. Portes would go down on strikes, while Olson sacrificed in Lehmann. Tintor would go down on strikes as well to send the Jays up to bat again.

Steedley would work two innings for the Miracle, allowing just two hits. Matt Williams had the hill for the seventh and the eighth innings, allowing 3 hits and a walk, but otherwise keeping the Jays under control.

The top of the 9th would be do or die for the Miracle, and Wooodard opened up the crucial inning, going down on strikes. Portes would ground out before Whit Robbins was brought in as a pinch runner and drew a walk. Tintor and Santiesteban hit back-to-back singles score Robbins before Yancarlos Ortiz ground out, ending the contest.

Ramos, Woodard, Tintor and Santiesteban were all 2-for-5, Ramos with a double and a run scored and Santiesteban with 3 RBIs. Singleton was 1-for-4 with a run, and Olson was 1-for-3 with a run and a RBI. Portes was 1-for-5 with a pair of runs.

Dunedin claimed the series, 2 games to one. The Miracle take Wednesday off before returning home to Hammond Stadium on Thursday to face the Clearwater Threshers on a Thirsty Thursday. The Mighty Gonzalez with will on hand to perform stupid human tricks,

Oswaldo Sosa has the mound for the Miracle. Game time is 7:05 PM, gates open at 6:00.

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Miracle hold off Jays for 8-7 win

Fort Myers 8 at Dunedin 7

W: A. Burnett (7-4, 3.89); L: R. Boone (2-2, 5.94); SV: A. Slama (21)
HR: FTM: W. Ramos (11), D. Santiesteban (4).

Despite holding a 3 run lead going into the 9th inning, the Fort Myers Miracle were fortunate enough to be able to hold on long enough to get a win over the Dunedin Blue Jays.

If they are going to have a successful playoff run, they are going to have to find way to win without the bullpen.

Juan Portes singled his way onto base in the top of the 2nd, then stole 2nd and used a wild pitch by Randy Boone to go to 3rd. Eli Tintor then singled, plating Portes. After a pop out to Garrett Olson, Danny Santiesteban's bat went BOOM, and sent his 4th home run ball of the year over the left field wall to add two more to the total.

Whit Robbins singled in the top of the 3rd and Wilson Ramos homered - his 11th of the year - to give the Miracle a 5-0 lead. After a ground out to Johnny Woodard, Portes doubled and Tintor singled. Garrett Olson's ground out moved the pair, and a Santiesteban fly ball single brought them home.

With two outs on the board in the top of the 4th, Brad Emaus doubled then came home on a Cory Patton single, putting one on the board for Dunedin.

They added to it in the bottom of the 4th with Anthony Hatch taking a walk and Marcos Cabral getting hit by an Alex Burnett pitch. Following a fly out to Matthew Liuzza, Adam Calderone singled to plate Hatch. Luis Sanches would go down on strikes before former Twin Shannon Stewart, playing on a rehab assignment, singled to plate Cabral and Calderone.

Jose Mijares would take over for Burnett in the bottom of the sixth, and following a pair of ground outs, allowed a double to Calderone and a single to Sanchez to add one more to the Jays total.

In the top of the 8th, Tintor doubled, moved to 3rd on Olson's sac bunt, and was sacrificed in by Santiesteban.

Anthony Slama has been struggling a bit of late, and Monday night exemplified that. He'd walk Calderon and, after a ground out to Sanchez, allowed a pair of singles to Emanuele and Emaus which loaded the bags. Patton's sac fly plated Calderone and a Brian Dopirak single drove in Emanuele. Hatch would go down on strikes though with the Jays still down by one and the the tying run on 3rd.

Santiestban was 2-for-2 with a walk and five (5!) RBIs. Tintor was 3-for-4 with 3 runs and a RBI, while Ramos was 3-for-5 with a run and 2 RBIs. Robbins and Portes were both 2-for-4, Robbins with a walk and a run and Portes with a pair of runs. Steve Singleton was the one hit wonder, going 1-for-5 in the contest.

The rubber match of the series is Tueday evening at Knology Park. Fort Myers will pit Deolis Guerra (10-5, 4.56) against Dunedin's Reidier Gonzalez (8-3, 3.58) for the 7:00 PM start.

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From MiLB.com:

THE WEEK THAT WAS: The Miracle had a rough week, winning just two of seven games, including a four-game losing stretch. The string of losses dropped Fort Myers into a losing record and fourth place in the FSL West, 7 1/2 games behind division-leading Dunedin.

WHO'S HOT, WHO'S NOT: SP Cole Devries has been a strikeout machine. In his last 11 innings, the University of Minnesota product has 13 strikeouts. ... SS Yancarlos Ortiz has just five hits in his last 29 plate appearances for a .172 average.

PLAYER TO WATCH: 2B Steven Singleton has been hitting well in recent games. The University of San Diego product has a home run and eight RBIs in his last 10 games while batting .333. ... SS Yancarlos Ortiz is struggling with just five hits in his last 29 at-bats for a .172 clip.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK: One of the bright spots of a dismal week for the Miracle was 1B Whit Robbins. In a 9-7 home win over St. Lucie on July 20, the Georgia Tech product had four RBIs, collecting three with one swing as he homered to right field in the bottom of the fourth inning to give the Miracle a 5-4 lead. In the seventh, Robbins walked with the bases loaded for his fourth RBI.

Miracle, Threshers split

Fort Myers 4 at Clearwater 2 - 15 Innings

W: M. Williams (1-2, 6.63); L: B. Pfinsgraff (0-1, 6.17); SV: S. Steedley (1)
HR: None.

In the end, it would take only one more inning to settle the game that was suspended under the Florida State League Curfew rule on Friday night.

The game had been tied at two each when it was suspended. To recap:

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.

When the game resumed on Saturday, Ben Pfinsgraff would get on the mound for the Threshers. Eli Tintor hit a single to 3rd, then moved on a sac bunt by Garrett Olson. Danny Lehmann would hit into a ground out, but Danny Santiesteban singled to plate Tintor. A missed catch by Tuffy Gosewisch allowed the speedy Santiesteban to make his way to 3rd. Yancarlos Ortiz then singled the Miami native in for the insurance run. Ortiz would steal 2nd and attempt to come home on an Edward Ovalle line drive to right, but he would be tagged out at the plate as Gus Milner relayed the ball into Gosewisch for the third out.

Spencer Steedley replaced Matt Williams on the mound for the Miracle, and got Quintin Berry out on strikes. Robert Watson took a double off of him, and moved to 3rd on Milner's ground out. But John Urick would hit into a ground out as well, finishing the contest.

Santiesteban was 3-for-7 with a double, a pair of runs and a RBI. Ortiz and Lehmann were 2-for-5 each, Oritz with a walk, a double and a RBI, and Lehmann with a pair of walks and a run. Ovalle was 4-for-8, all singles. Berg (1-for-7), Singleton and Tintor (1-for-6), and Ramos (1-for-5) all had singles as well, Sing and Tint with a walk each, and Ramos with a pair of walks. Tintor also added a run. Only Garrett Olson would go without a hit in the game.

Sosa worked 4 innings allowing 1 run on 4 hits and a walk while striking out one. Jose Mijares, Blair Erickson and Anthony Slama each worked a pair of innings, Slama allowing 1 unearned run on 3 hits and a walk while striking out 1. Chris Gutierrez worked 1 inning, allowing a hit and walk while striking out one, and Matt Williams went in for the long haul at the end of Saturday's game, allowing 3 hits and 3 walks while fanning 3 over three innings to pick up the win. Steedley got the save, his first of the season in a Miracle uniform.

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Fort Myers 6 at Clearwater 11

W: A. Carpenter (3-3, 2.98); L: M. Fox (5-6, 4.25); SV: D. Brauer (2)
HR: FTM: G. Olson (2).

In the regularly scheduled game, the Miracle would hit well, but the depleted bullpen got to them in the sixth, as Spencer Steedley allowed 5 runs, all earned, on 4 hits and walk without recording an out in the sixth inning.

Steve Singleton doubled to get the game underway and following a line out to Edward Ovalle, a Whit Robbins' fly ball to right move Sing to 3rd. Robbins would go to second on the throw and Wilson Ramos would scored the pair with his 17th double of the season. Johnny Woodard, who had been activated from rehab with the GCL Twins at 10:00 AM, singled to move Ramos to 3rd, and Danny Berg's soft fly ball to right drove in Ramos.

Quintin Berry took a walk from Matt Fox in the bottom half of the set, then stole 2nd base. With Tuffy Gosewisch out on strikes and John Urick out on a pop up, Berry then stole 3rd. Michael Taylor singled to drive him in to give the Threshers one.

Berry would be bothersome again in the bottom of the third, singling his way onto the bags, then, one out later, stealing 2nd. Berry's 39 stolen bases does not lead the Florida State League, by the way, that honor goes to Brevard County's Darren Ford, who has 48. Urick doubled Berry in, and Fox would hit Michael Taylor with a pitch. Gus Milner took a double off of Fox to drive in Urick. Alan Robbins walked before Garry Cates singled Taylor in. Milner was greedy and tried to go home as well, but was taken out a the plate by catcher Wilson Ramos.

Garrett Oslon homered in the top of the 4th to tie the contest back up.

Gosewisch would single and Taylor double in the bottom of the 5th to put the Threshers up on top. Then came the less then memorable sixth.

Fidel Hernandez singled and Jesus Villegas Andino walked. Barry singled to load up the bags, and Gosewisch took a double shot to bring in a pair. Urick followed that up with a double shot of his two to chase in two more at which point field manager Jeff Smith took Steedley off the mound in favor of his new bullpen ace, Danny Santiesteban. The outfielder would allow a single to Taylor but induced Milner to hit into a double play which had the unfortunate side effect of scoring Urick. He'd then Alan Robbins down on strikes to get out of the inning.

The Miracle showed their new ace some love in the top of seventh, with Danny Berg singing off Danny Brauer with one out on the board. Eli Tintor walked, and Olson reached on a fielding error to load the bags. Yancarlos Ortiz ground into a force out that took Berg out at home, but Steve Singleton would get plunked by a pitch to force in Tintor. Edward Ovalle singled out to right to drive in Olson before Whit Robbins ground out, cutting short the Miracle rally.

Santiesteban would use three straight outs to get Clearwater out in the eighth, but he was tiring. Smith would make a move to keep Garrett Olson in the game as pitcher and moved Berg in from left to cover 3rd. Whit Robbins, who had been DHing, moved to take over first and Woodard came out of the game to be replaced by Lehmann, who went into left field. Olson would strike out Berry, but allowed a triple to Gosewisch. Urick singled to score the Thresher's catcher, but Olson got Taylor out on strikes before walking Milner. Pinch hitter Kevin Mahar would fly out to end the inning.

Olson might have a career ahead of him in the National League as he singled in the top of the 9th, but got no support from his fellow batters with Singleton grounding into a force out to end the contest.

Ovalle finished up 2-for-3 with a walk and a RBI. Singleton and Robbins were both 2-for-4, Sing with a walk, a double, a run and a RBI, and Robbins with a walk and a run. Berg and Olson were both 2-for-5, Berg with a RBI and Olson with a pair of runs and a RBI, including the home run. Ramos, Woodard and Ortiz were all 1-for-5, Ramos with a run and a pair of RBIs. Tintor was 1-for-4 with a walk and a run.

Fort Myers now hops on the bus and heads just down the road to Knology Park to face the Dunedin Blue Jays Sunday afternoon for a 1:00 PM game. Cole Devries (7-7, 2.69) will take the start for the Miracle in a potential preview of the upcoming West Division Playoff round.

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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.

Thresher edge out Miracle

Fort Myers 3 at Clearwater 4

W: D. Byrd (1-4, 6.35); L: D. Guerra (10-5, 4.56); SV: M. German (3)
HR: CLE: T. Gosewisch (2).

Darren Byrd held the Fort Myers Miracle scoreless through 8 innings to lead the last placed Clearwater Threshers to a a 4-3 win over the first half division champions.

Michael Taylor doubled in the bottom of the 2nd to get on base. Clearwater's Tuffy Gosewisch then hit his 2nd home run of the season over the left field wall to give the Threshers a two-run lead.

A walk to Taylor and doubles to Gosewisch and Gary Cates lead to two more runs in the bottom of the 4th. Deolis Guerra would finish off allowing 4 runs on five hits and a walk while striking out five over five innings.

Danny Berg singled to lead off the top of the ninth and Steve Singleton doubled him in. Edward Ovalle would go down on strikes, but Wilson Ramos followed that up with a double that brought in Sing. Ben Pfinsgraff would then come in to replace Byrd and allowed a single to Garrett Olson that scored Ramos. Eli Tintor would go down on strikes and Matt German would take over on the mound to get Danny Santiesteban to hit into a ground out to protect the Clearwater lead and end the contest.

Singleton was 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, a run and a run batted in to lead the Miracle offense. Tintor was 2-for-4 with a double but did not factor into the scoring. Wilson Ramos was 1-for-2 with a double, a pair of walks, a run and a run batted in. Berg, Olson and Santiesteban were all 1-for-4, Berg with a run and Olson with a RBI to leave Santiesteban as the one hit wonder of the night.

The two teams rematch on Friday with Oswaldo Sosa (2-0, 3.57) on the mound against Clearwater's Joe Savery (5-8, 3.85), who will toss out the first pitch at 7:00 PM.

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Miracle fight off Threshers, 4-1

Clearwater 1 at Fort Myers 4

W: D. Guerra (1-0, 0.60); L: C. Monasterios (1-2, 3.72); SV: R. Delaney (4)
HR: FTM: D. Santiesteban (1).

The Miracle stayed on the winning track Wednesday night at Hammond Stadium, downing the Threshers 4-1 in front of a chilly crowd of 905.

Deolis Guerra took the start for the Miracle, holding the Threshers to only 4 hits and 1 walk over 5 innings while striking out 4.

The Miracle on the other hand wasted no time getting on the board, with lead off hitter Brian Dinkelman tripling, then crossing the plate on Rene Tosoni's ground out to put the Miracle up by 1.

Wilson Ramos and Whit Robbins hit back-to-back singles in the second which paid big dividends when Danny Santiesteban went yard over the left field wall to give the Miracle a four-run lead.

Carlos Monasterios pitched well for the visitors, limiting Fort Myers to only 5 hits and 3 walks over 6 innings, but he'd already given up all the runs the home town team would need.

The only action Clearwater would see would come from Danny Graves, who worked 2 innings. Gus Milner hit a triple off Graves to lead off the sixth inning. He'd come home on John Urick's ground out. Graves would retire the next five batters he faced, getting two to strike out.

Jose Lugo and Rob Delaney handled the mop up chores for the Miracle, each working an inning and striking out 3.

Robbins was 2-for-3 at the plate the only Miracle with multiple hits. Toby Gardenhire was 0-for-3 at the bottom of the order. Danny Valencia, Johnny Woodard and Edward Ovalle were all 0-for-3 as well.

The series finishes off on Thursday Thursday, with big lefty Tyler Robertson (0-1, 4.00) handling the pitching in front of a beer night crowd. Clearwater will counter with their own lefty, Antonio Bastardo (1-0, 0.90). The game begins at 7:05 PM.

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Crupper says on his myspace page: "Jeff Crupper should be running the Clearwater Threshers website, but they won't hire me...is it because my site is better than theirs and it is free?"

At least he covers game when they team is out of town.