Daytona defeats Miracle, 7-3 to capture FSL title

Fort Myers 3 at Daytona 7

W: A. Cashner (1-0, 0.00); L: A. Burnett (1-1, 3.38)
HR: FTM: J. Woodard (1). DAY: J. Adduci (1), Y. Carter (1).

The Daytona Cubs were bound and determined not to wait one more day for a Florida State League Championship. As a result, they wasted little time defeating the Fort Myers Miracle, 7-3 to take the title.

I said I would be happy if the Miracle got past Dunedin and I stand by that. Great job boys!

The Miracle actually got on to the scoreboard first, with Johnny Woodard putting one over the right field wall in the 2nd inning.

Daytona took it right back with Yusef Carter going yard in the bottom half of the stanza. John Mota would follow that up with a single, and be plated by Darwin Barney's double. Tony Thomas smacked a line drive out to center that scored Barney. He'd try to stretch it for a double and failed, finishing the inning with the Cubs up 3-1.

James Adduci took a home run off Miracle starter Alex Burnett as well, putting his over the left field fence just to be a little different. Ty Wright singled and advanced to second on a error by Yancarlos Ortiz as he and Wilson Ramos attempted to take out Wright, who chose to steal 2nd. Following a ground out to Blake Lalli that advanced the runner to 3rd, Russ Canzier hit a sac-fly to bring Wright in, for the fifth Cubs run.

Back-to-back doubles by Ramos and Whit Robbins gave the Miracle another run. Edward Ovalle would single Robbins to 3rd, and after Woodard went down on strikes, Garrett Olson hit into a sac double-play that plated Robbins.

The score would stand at 5-3 until the bottom of the sixth when the Cubs tacked on two more. Steve Clevenger doubled and moved to 3rd on a wild pitch by Spencer Steedley. A walk to Carter signaled a pitching change for the Miracle, with Ozzie Sosa coming in to replace Steedley. Mota singled to drive in Clevenger, and Barney followed that up with a double that brought in Carter. Jose Lugo would be brought, the second pitching change of the inning, to get Adduci to ground out before the Cubs could add a few more runs.

In the end, the Cubs out hit the Miracle 48 to 25 and it was their prowess with a bat that made the difference.

Fort Myer recorded five hits in the final match of the contest with Steve Singleton, Ramos, Edward Ovalle and Johnny Woodard all going 1-for-4 and Robbins going 1-for-2. Sing, Ramos and Robbins all had extra base hits, Woodard had the home run and Robbins, Woodard and Olson had the RBIs.

The Miracle conclude what can only be considered a successful 2008 season under field manager Jeff Smith. With Fall Instructional League and Arizona Fall League on the way, http://www.miraclefans.com/ will be taking a look at some of the prospects you can expect to see in a Miracle uniform in 2009, so don't go away!

Again, thanks to the Minnesota Twins for providing us with a great group of players, and to the staff of the Fort Myers Miracle for being such wonderful hosts at Hammond Stadium.

Congratulations to the Cubs who captured their second Championship since the turn of the century.

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Miracle avoid sweep, force game four

Fort Myers 5 at Daytona 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yankees, rain disappoint Miracle faithful in final game of 2008

Tampa 6 at Fort Myers 5

W: R. Semerano (4-1, 5.09); L: J. Lugo (2-6, 4.04); SV: J. Schmidt (16)
HR: TAM: L. Nunez (3).

It took Jose Lugo a total of two pitches to lose the final game of the regular season for the playoff bound Fort Myers Miracle. There is some speculation that the Miracle have been playing the cards close, and that they are ready to turn it on in the playoffs, but there should be a matter of pride in winning the final game of the season in front of the home town crowd.

Matt Williams took the start for the Miracle, and it didn't take long for Tampa to find their way onto base. After getting Matt Cusick out on strikes, The Professor gave up a single to Luis Nunez. Kevin Smith reached on a fielding error by Juan Portes. Josh Kreuzer struck out swinging, but Seth Fortenberry doubled to drive in the pair. Fortenberry would try to a triple, but was taken down at 3rd base. The damage was done however.

The Miracle took one back in the bottom of the inning. Portes singled and stole 2nd. Steve Singleton's outfield fly moved Portes to 3rd and he'd come home on a Rene Tosoni ground out.

Jesse Hoover would replace Michael Solback in the bottom of the 3rd for Tampa, and after getting Eli Tintor to fly out allowed a single to Garrett Olson, who then stole 2nd. Portes singled in Olson, tying up the game. Sing drew a walk before Tosoni would go down on strikes for the second out. Wilson Ramos then singled to drive in Portes putting the Miracle on top.

Eddie Ovalle would take a talk in the top of the 4th, then steal 2nd. Johnny Woodard would fly out, and Tintor ground out. Olson and Portes hit back-to-back singles that plated Ovalle and a Singleton line drive brought in Olson to pad the lead.

Matt Williams would work four innings, allowing two runs, neither of which were earned, on 3 hits while striking out 3. Alex Burnett worked the fifth and Carlos Gutierrez the six, each allowing only one hit to the Yankees. Danny Santiesteban took the seventh and would return for the eighth.

Mitch Hilligoss doubled and moved to 3rd on Ryan Baker's ground out. Tim Battle took a walk. Looking to protect the Miracle's 3-run lead, Jeff Smith called for a pitching change bringing in Lugo who promptly hit Cusick with a pitch to load the bags. Nunez then took the first pitch he saw deep over the left field fence for a grand slam.

Rain started to interfere with the game that had been played in high winds shortly there after. The Miracle would never make it to the bottom of the 9th before a torential downpour from Hurricane Gustov finished the contest and cut short any thoughts of a ninth inning rally.

The Twins take Monday off and travel to Dunedin on Tuesday for game one of the South Divsion Championship round.

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There is a van leaving for Dunedin from the Target on Santa Barbara in the Cape Tuesday at 2 PM. Space is very limited. If you want to be on it, you need to be there early. Iris is organizing the trip up to Dunedin. Bring enough money to play for your ticket in, concessions and a portion of the vehicle's fuel expense.

Danny Valencia put two over the fence for two runs and five RBIs for the New Britain Rock Cats who defeated the Binghamton Mets 9-6 in New Britain Stadium. Former Miracle Yohan Pino picked up the win, Brian Dinkelman was 2-for-5 at the plate with 2 runs and a pair of RBIs. Danny Berg was 2-for-4 with a pair of runs for the Cats as well.

The Rochester Red Wings downed the Buffalo Bisons 5-4 at Frontier Field. Trevor Plouffe was 3-for-5 at the plate with a RBI, while former Miracle catcher Jeff Christy was 2-for-2 with a walk and a run. Anthony Swarzak allowed 3 runs, one earned, on seven hits while fanning two over seven innings, but would leave with the no decision. Julio DePaula would pick up the win in the 9th inning.

The Beloit Snappers slipped past the Burlington Bees 4-3 at Pohlman Field. Mike Allen took the win for the Snaps who saw Estarlin De Los Santos, Mark Dolenc and Juan Richardson each hit two in the contest. Former Miracle Yangervis Solarte was 1-for-3 at the plate with a run and 2 RBIs.

Are you a fan? Check out the player fan forums at Talk-Sports. You can leave messages, post pictures and links and enjoy Videos of your favorite Miracle players.

Yankees provide fireworks on a Soggy Saturday Night

Tampa 10 at Fort Myers 2

W: H. Sanchez (1-1, 3.38); L: D. Guerra (11-9, 5.47)
HR: None.

The Fort Myers Miracle left the park with 11 hits, but just couldn't get them strung together for runs, falling 10-2 to the Tampa Yankees.

The game would suffer a nearly 2 hour delay after a brief, but heavy, rain shower soaked the field before it could be tarped, turning 3rd base into a muddy mess that required extensive reconditioning.

Deolis Guerra continued to demonstrate his inconsistency. After a good outing last time, he was back to his old tricks before the home town audience. Seth Fortenberry singled, then moved to 2nd when Guerra unleashed a wild pitch. Andres Perez's fly out sent Fortenberry to 3rd, and Tommy Baldridge single brought him home to put the Yankees on the board to open the contest.

Fortenberry walked in the top of the 4th, and Perez doubled him in. A line drive single by Baldridge sent Perez home before Guerra would take Jose Gil down on strikes. Chris Kunda singled, which prompted field manager Jeff Smith to get Joe Testa out of the bullpen. Matthew Cusick singled off Testa, scoring Baldridge and Luis Nunez's grounder to left filled up the bags. Testa then got Kevin Smith to ground out, but it scored Kunda, making it 5-0 Tampa.

The Miracle took one back in the bottom of the stanza. Danny Santiesteban took a walk with one out on the board. Wilson Ramos ground into a force out. Johnny Woodard took a walk, putting Ramos on second, and he'd come home on Edward Ovalle's line drive single to left.

Testa would work the next two innings, giving up nothing else and striking out one. Dave Shinskie took over for the seventh.

Shinskie gave up back to back singles to Luis Nunez and Kevin Smith. Nunez would try to steal home, but it didn't happen as Lehmann was on the job. Josh Kreuzer singled to drive in Kevin Smith. Seth Fortenberry and Andres Perez both claimed singled off Shinskie, which drove in Kreuzer. Baldridge's line drive filled the bases. Gil would reach when Shinskie mis-threw the ball, and Lehmann could not get a glove on it. Fortenberry scored on the play while a Chris Kunda single brought in Baldridge. Matthew Curisck finally ground into a double play to end the inning. Well...the fans wanted fire works!

Shinskie would surrender 5 runs, 3 earned on seven hits in one innings worth of work.

Eddie Ovalle would be hit by a pitch in the 8th, advance on Garrett Olson's line drive single, and come home on a Juan Portes grounder, but it was the only run the Miracle could manage in the late going. And with a huge hole to climb out of, it wasn't enough.

Blair Erickson and Ozzie Sosa worked an inning each, giving up a hit each, Sosa allowing a pair of walks while Erickson struck out two.

Johnny Woodard was 2-for-4 at the plate with a walk; Portes and Singleton finished up 2-for-5, Portes with a RBI, Sing with a double. Olson and Ortiz were 1-for-2 each, both one hit wonders, while Ovalle going 1-for-3 had a double and a RBI.

Lehmann was 1-for-4 with a double, while Ramos at 1-for-5 had a run.

The two teams rematch Sunday for the final game of the regular season. Game time is 1:05 PM, weather permitting.

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Due to the delay in Starting Saturday night's Fan Appreciation Game and Festivities, the Miracle are inviting everyone with a ticket from Saturday's game to return for Sunday's final home game, or any of the FSL Playoff games to be played at Hammond Stadium during the upcoming week. All you need to do is bring your torn or untorn ticket to the Ticket Office window prior to the game you wish to attend and make the exchange. For more information, please call the Miracle office during regular business hours at 239-768-4210.

The New Britain Rock Cats defeated the Binghamton Mets, 7-1. Ryan Mullins picked up the win. Steve Tolleson cranked his 9th home run of the season over the left field wall in the fifth inning. Tolleson and Danny Valencia each had a pair of runs and a pair of RBIs in the contest (a href="http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3711267" target="newwin">Rock Cats/OSC). Fernando Martinez went yard for the B-Mets, but it was evidently forgotten by the Rock Cats at the time they wrote up their game report.

The AAA Yankees defeated the Rochester Red Wings 8-6 in extra innings at Frontier Field. Trevor Plouffe hit a grand slam home run for the Red Wings, who got runs from six different players (RD&C).

The Burlington Bees stung the Beloit Snappers 7-2. All three of the Twins affiliated teams finish up their seasons on Monday (Bees).

Gustav crossed Cuba and is off the Tip of Key West in the Gulf. High sustained winds were 125 miles, a Cat 3. It is expected to strengthen before it plows into Louisianna Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning.

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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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.

Errors costly in Miracle loss

Lakeland 7 at Fort Myers 5

W: L. Oliveros (1-1, 5.19); L: A. Burnett (8-6, 3.79); SV: R. Garcia (1)
HR: FTM: J. Woodard (6).

Both Jonah Nickerson and Alex Burnett got off to absolutely wretched starts, the difference is Nickerson came out and Burnett did not. Although to Alex's credit, after initial inning, he did not allow another run.

It was the night of the million bloodsuckers at Hammond Stadium, and Justin Justice got the party started when he reached on a fielding error by Edward Ovalle out in left. Gustavo Nunez ground into a force out which took Justice down at second. A wild pitch by Burnett put Nunez at 2nd, and Louis Ott took a walk. Michael Bertram reached on an error by Ed's favorite player Johnny Woodard, which loaded up the bases. Catcher Devin Thomas would go down on strikes before Jordan Lennerton singled out to center to scored two. Jeramy Laster doubled to bring on Bertram and Brandon Timm singled to score Lennerton and Laster. Timm would steal second and advance to 3rd on a throwing error by Wilson Ramos, but Carmelo Jaime ground out before further damage could be done.

Nickerson walked Juan Portes to lead off. Steve Singleton and Rene Tosoni both hit into ground outs but Ramos took a walk. Woodard then put a fly ball over the right field wall to give the Miracle a quick three. Ovalle doubled and Tintor singled to send him ot 3rd. Danny Lehmann's single plated Ovalle. That's when Nickerson came out of the game, with Lester Oliveros replacing him on the mound.

That pretty much calmed everything down for a few. Woodard doubled in the bottom of the 3rd. Both Lehmann and Garrett Olson would get hit by pitches in the bottom of the 4th and advanced on a throwing error by Timm, but Singleton ground out and Tosoni flew out leaving them stranded.

Robbie Weinhardt replaced Oliveros in the bottom of the fifth and hit Ramos with a pitch that looked like it really hurt. Woodard would strike out before Ovalle was plunked with a pitch as well. Tintor went down on strikes, but Lehmann drew a walk to load the bags. Garrett Olson would go down swinging however, stranding the men.

Joe Testa replaced Burnett in the top of the sixth and walked Jordan Lennerton. Jeramy Laster singled and Timm walked the bases full. Jaime singled to drive in Lennerton and Lester. Jaime would then be caught stealing. Justin Justice doubled, but Gustavo Nunez ground out to send the Miracle up to bat.

After that inning, Testa proved pretty amazing, striking out three in the 7th and another in the 8th.

Speaking of the 8th, Garrett Olson struck out to open the bottom half of the stanza. Portes singled before Singleton went down on strikes. Danny Santiesteban took a walk, and Ramos singled to drive in Portes. A wild pitch by Cody Satterwhite advanced the runners, but Woodard struck out to send the Tigers back up to bat.

Burnett allowed 5 runs, none of which were earned, on five hits and a pair of walks while striking out seven. Testa worked the final four, allowed 2 earned runs on 4 hits and 3 walks while fanning five.

Ramos was 2-for-3 with walk, a run and a RBI, Woodard was 2-for-5 with with a double, a run and three RBIs from the home run. Portes was 1-for-5 with a walk and a pair of runs. Ovalle and Tintor were 1-for-4, Ovalle with a double and a run, Tintor with a walk. Lehmann rounded things out, going 1-for-3 with a walk and a RBI.

The Miracle and the Flying Tigers play two tomorrow on RaceTrac Cheaper by the Gallon night and Kids Club Wednesday. Rick Porcello (7-6, 2.80) said he was pitching game one for the Flying Tigers.

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Chuck Golden: the hardest working person at the ballpark


New railings were installed to help hold up the players


A big race car came to visit on NASCAR night....


...and a little one as well!

Insect repellent is available at the gift shop. Cigar smoke will keep the little vampires away as well, but the insect repellent smells better.

The Portland took both sides of a double header from the New Britain Rock Cats. They won the first game 6-4, and the second game 7-2. Brandon Roberts homered in the second game, one of only four hits for the Rock Cats (Seadogs/OSC).

The Syracuse Chiefs rolled over the Rochester Red Wings, 9-1 at Frontier Field. Luke Hughes was 2-for-4 at the plate with the lone Wings tally (RD&C).

Charles Nolte suffered the loss as the Kane County Cougars rallied past the Beloit Snappers, 3-2. Mark Dolenc was 2-for-4 with a run for the Snappers (Snappers).

Fay finally found it's way up into the Appalachian Mountains, and as a result, the game between Princeton and Elizabethton was canceled due to rain. The E-Twins are schedule to start their playoff series against Pulaski on Wednesday.

Fort Myers clubs Tigers, 8-1

Fort Myers 8 at Lakeland 1

W: A. Burnett (8-5, 3.92); L: J. Nickerson (11-4, 3.88)
HR: FTM: J. Portes (11). LAK: J. Justice (10).

Justin Justice knocked a solo shot fly ball over the right field wall for his 10th home run of the year, but that was all the Lakeland Flying Tigers would get, as Alex Burnett turned in a stellar performance on the mound for the Fort Myers Miracle.

Justice's yarder came in the top of the 3rd. Burnett would scatter five hits and one walk over six innings while fanning a career-high 10 to keep the Tigers caged. Carlos Gutierrez worked a pair of innings in relief, givng up 1 hit and Anthony Slama worked the final inning, allowing one hit and striking out 3.

Fort Myer's was feeling feisty after several days of rest and continued the slug fest the Flying Tigers had started the day before.

Juan Portes led off by hitting a ground rule double to center field. Johnny Woodard singled him in to give the Miracle one.

Danny Santiesteban singled in the top of the 3rd and stole 2nd base. Woodard took a walk before Wilson Ramos' line drive single plated Santiesteban. Edward Ovalle then doubled in Woodard to make it 3-0, Fort Myers.

That's when Hurricane Justin hit, but much like Fay's passage through the Southwest Florida area, he didn't do much damage.

Portes would take the run back in the top of the fourth, hitting a fly ball over the left field fence for his 11th home run of 2008.

Woodard doubled in the top of the 5th. Back-to-back singles by Wilson Ramos and Edward Ovalle brought him home. Zach Simons would be summoned for the bull pen at that point to replace starter Jonah Nickerson. He would get Tintor to pop out and Garrett Olson to hit into a double play to leave the two Miracle runners stranded.

Simons kept the Miracle bats quiet until he was replace on the mound in the top of the eighth by Lester Oliveros. Oliveros allowed a walk to Juan Portes, but did not allow a hit...

Until the ninth inning. Woodard took a double to lead off and Ramos doubled as well. Ovalle smacked his 10th triple of the season out to center field, and Eli Tintor sacrificed him in. That gave the Miracle their eight, as Olson popped out and Lehmann ground out to retire the Miracle.

Louis Ott tripled off Slama to lead off the bottom of the 9th, but Slama found three straight strikes to keep him at 3rd as he ended the contest.

Portes and Woodard were both 3-for-4 with walks, Portes with 2 runs and a RBI, and Woodard with a pair of doubles, three runs and a RBI. Portes would fall a triple shy of the cycle, hitting a single, a double and a home run in the contest.

Wilson Ramos went 4-for-5 at the plate with a run and 2 RBIs. Ovalle had the triple that Portes needed, and went 3-for-5 at the plate, but lacked the home run for the cyle. He'd end up with one run and 3 RBIs. Ortiz as 1-for-4 and shared the game's one hit wonder role with Danny Lehmann who was 1-for-5, as was Santiesteban, who also had a run.

Both Tintor and Santiesteban fell one strike out short of the Golden Sombrero, and left the park without a prize. (Better luck next time, kids!)

The rubber match of the 3-game set will be played Friday at 7:00 PM unless Fay has found some more rain to dump on us. (Don't you just hate weepy little girls?) Freddy Garcia (0-0, 0.00) will start the game for the Tigers on a major league rehab, while Spencer Steedley (1-3, 7.83) will attempt to throw his second straight gem for the Miracle.

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Thursday's GCL game was rained out and will be made up on Tuesday, the final day of the GCL season. The GCL Twins continue to hold on to the wild card slot, while the GCL Pirates defeated the GCL Orioles, to move to 1.5 games head of the Twins in the standings. The Twins play at home Sunday with a double header against the Orioles set for an 11:00 AM start time. (Yes, Brett, I'll be trying to graph the O's. At least a few of the boys.)

The Rock Cats fell 6-3 to Erie in New Britain. Yohan Pino took the loss. Danny Berg made his AA debut, going 1-for-4 at the plate. Matt Tolbert, on rehab, finished off 2-for-4 with a double and a run.

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees slipped by Rochester, 8-7. Alejandro Machado went 3-for-5 at the plate with a run and 2 RBIs for the Red Wings.

The Burlington Bees downed the Beloit Snappers, 6-2. Henry Reyes suffered the loss. Ben Revere had the night off, so Estarlin De Los Santos when 3-for-5 for Beloit with a RBI to make for it. Former Miracle Yangervis Solarte was 2-for-5 at the plate, while former GCL alumni Andrew Schmiesing was 2-for-3 with a walk, a run and a RBI on the night. (Recap)

Team USA defeated team Japan 4-2 in the 11th inning , concluding the round-robin portion of the competition with a 5-2 record. They advance to the medal round and will meet Cuba in the second semifinal with the first pitch set for 6:00 PM Friday on the Wukesong Main Field. Recap)

Tigers tear up Miracle pitching

Fort Myers 7 at Lakeland 9

W: R. Weinhardt (3-1, 1.84); L: O. Sosa (2-2, 5.57); SV: R. Perry (4)
HR: FTM: S. Singleton (4).

The Lakeland Flying Tigers out slugged the Fort Myers Miracle as they feasted on Southwest Florida's pitching, taking a 9-7 win at Joker Marchant Stadium.

At least the bat of reigning FSL offensive player of the week, Michael Bertram, was relatively quite, as he didn't put anything over the fence. He did finish 2-for-5 however, with a double, a run and run batted in.

The Miracle got on the board first however, as Juan Portes took a single from Lakeland starter Duane Below. One out later, Portes would advance to 2nd on a balk. Wilson Ramos then singled him in, giving the Miracle one.

They made it 2 in the top of the 3rd with Steve Singleton putting his 4th home run of the season over the right field wall.

Rookie pitcher Joe Testa took the start and made it through the first two inning with nothing more than a walk to Brennan Boesch. His luck would run out in the third however.

He lead off with a walk to Brandon Timm and gave up a single to Jeff Kunkel. A passed ball by Wilson Ramos advanced the runners. Justin Justice then tripled to bring in the pair. A Louis Ott single plated Justice. Testa then got Bertram and Cale Iorg out on strikes, but allowed a triple to Boesch that drove in Ott. Jeremy Laster also knocked a triple out to center, to send Boesch over the plate. Jordan Lennerton would ground out however, getting Testa out of the inning.

The Miracle Bats were up the task however, as Whit Robbins walked in the top of the 4th, Edward Ovalle singled Robbins to 3rd and Johnny Woodard walked the bags full. A force attempt failed when Ott misfielded the ball, allowing Garrett Olson to reach and Robbins to score. Eli Tintor doubled two more in. The Tigers would take Below off the mound, bringing Ramon Garcia out of the bullpen. Yancarlos Ortiz ground out, plating Olson in the process to put the Miracle up by one. Juan Portes would walk and Singleton would be hit by a pitch to load up the bases again, but Wilson Ramos ground into a double play, retiring the side.

While it's usually 3-strikes, not 3-triples and you're out, in this came, it was the later as Testa came out and Ozzie Sosa went in for the Miracle. Timm tripled off the Venezuelan, but he'd then get Kunkel, Justice and Ott out on strikes to strand him.

Bertram doubled off Sosa in the bottom of the 5th home and Iorg singled him in, tying up the game. Boesch and Laster both ground out before Sosa walked Lennerton. Timm then struck out swinging.

Kunkel would walk to start the bottom of the sixth and advanced to 2nd on a wild pitch. Justice then walked as well. Jeff Smith didn't wait for Sosa to get this walk-fest into full swing, fetching Jose Lugo from the bullpen. But it was the wrong Jose Lugo! Lugo's throwing error allowed Ott to reach on a sac-bunt, for a bases load situation. Bertram singled in Kunkel. After Lugo got Iorg out on strikes. Boesch would ground into a force out that scored Justice. Laster then ground out,sending the Miracle to the plate again.

It was a somewhat wasted exercise as Robbie Weinhardt kept Fort Myers as quiet in the 7th as he had in the sixth.

Jeff Smith would try David Shinskie next. A fielding error by Ortiz allowed Lennerton to reach. Timm would advance him on a ground out, and Kunkel doubled to send Lennerton home, to give the Tigers nine.

The Miracle would try a brief rally in the top of the 9th, with Tintor tripling off Ryan Perry. Ortiz then singled him, but Perry took Portes down on strikes and got Singleton to fly out. Ramos then struck out to end the contest.

Tintor finished up 2-for-3 at the plate with with a walk, a double and a triple, a run and a pair of runs scored. Portes would end u 2-for-4 on the night with walk and arun. Singledon, Ovalle, and Ortiz were all 1-for-4, Sing with the home run, Ovalle with a run, and Ortiz with a pair of RBIs. Ramos ended up 1-for-5 with a RBI.

Robbins was 0-for-2 with a pair of walks and a run, as was Woodard. Olson was 0-for-4 with a run and a RBI.

Sosa took the loss, his second of the season, ending up allowing 3 runs, 2 earned on 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 4. Testa would allow 5 runs on 5 hits and two walks while fanning 4 over three.

The two teams rematch tomorrow with Jonah Nickerson (11-3, 3.66) throwing out the first pitch at 7:00 PM, weather permitting. Alex Burnett (7-5, 4.03) will get the ball for the Miracle.

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Danny Berg was promoted to the New Britain Rock Cats on Monday. Joining him was former Miracle and current Minnesota Twin Matt Tolbert to start his rehab assignment. Tolbert had indicated that he'd be joining the Miracle for their last home stand, but Tropical Storm Fay was one of the factors deciding the change of plans. But the same token, Alexi Casilla was sent to Beloit to rehab. He was activated off the DL Wednesday night, while Brian Bass was outrighted to Rochester to make room for him on the Minnestoa roster.

The Rock Cats are hosting the Tigers AA affiliate, the Erie Sea Wolves. They lost for the first time in six game, 5-2. Dustin Martin, Danny Valencia, Felix Molina and Brian Dinkelman had one hit each for the Rock Cats while Ryan Roberson, Jeff Frazier and Diek Scram had multi-hit games for the Seas Wolves. Frank Mata took the loss, his first at the AA level.

The Rock Cats extended their affiliation with Minnesota through 2010. The Twins also acquired minor league outfield Joe Gaetti, the 26-year old son of Minnesota Twins' Hall-of-Famer Gary Gaetti, in a deal with Oakland and assigned him to New Britain. He replaced Brock Peterson on the Rock Cats roster.

The Rochester Red Wings defeated the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. Former Miracle Anthony Swarzak is now 4-0 at the AAA level. Luke Hughes and Trevor Plouffe were both 2-for-4 in the game, Hughes with two runs, Plouffe with one.

The Beloit Snappers were idle last night. Elizabethton topped Princeton in Appalachia League action. First baseman Jon Waltenbury had a pair of home runs in the game, upping his season total to 10. Dan Osterbrock took the win, his 7th professional victory.

The Miracle host their annual Charity Golf Classic on Sunday, August 24th at Pelican Preserve. For more information or to register for the Charity Golf Classic, please call Terry Simon at 239-768-4210.

Picture of Joe Testa and Spencer Steedley are now available in our online Photo Gallery.

And finally the price gougers fine folks at Yahoo have decided to up their website hosting by $4.00 a month for this site. If it wasn't such a PIA to move, I'd find a cheaper alternative. Instead I've shut down my Everblades site - as I wasn't doing anything with it anyway - and my personal site - another project that fell by wayside. The end result is that Yahaoo will get less, not more, money from me per month.

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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Soggy Miracle split twin bill with Hammerheads

Jupiter 0 at Fort Myers 1

W: B. Erickson (3-0, 1.96); L: C. Leroux (5-6, 3.92)
HR: None.

Anibal Sanchez, on rehab, and Oswaldo Sosa matched each other pitch-for-pitch in game one of the double header Sunday that got underway at 3:15 after a 3+ hour rain delay.

Sanchez would give up 3 hits and a pair of bases on ball, while fanning 6 over 5.2 innings, while Sosa gave up 1 hit and 3 walks and struck out 2 over five.

Neither team found much to hit at. But who needs bats anyway?

Edward Ovalle would get plunked by a pitch to get on base. Juan Portes moved him to second on a sac-bunt and he'd steal 3rd. A throwing error by catcher Chris Hatcher put the ball in the outfield while he was trying to catch Ovalle, and put Ovalle over the plate for the only run in the contest.

Yangervis Solarte was 1-for-1 with a walk, while Wilson Ramos (1-for-3) and Danny Berg (1-for-2) shared the one hit wonder of the game title.

Carlos Gutierrez made his professional debut, working 1 inning and allowing 1 hit while striking out 2. Blair Erickson finished the game, striking out 3 in the final inning.

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Jupiter 8 at Fort Myers 0

W: G. Taylor (9-5, 2.91); L: M. Fox (5-4, 3.72)
HR: JUP: S. Cousins (5).

While there were more hits in game two, there was 1 few runs for the Miracle at least, which was not good.

Graham Taylor worked all 7 innings for the Hammerheads, scattering six hits over that period and striking out one.

Matt Fox worked six for the Miracle. In the top of the 3rd, Justin Webb took a single off of Fox, but Danny Lehmann made a successful pick off attempt at 1st with a throw to Danny Berg. Emilio Ontiveros would fly out to put two outs on the board. Scott Cousins and Ernesto Manzanillo then hit back-to-back singles and Logan Morrison doubled the pair in to put two runs on the board for Jupiter.

That would prove to be all they need, but Spencer Steedley came in for the seventh inning.

The Midwest League All-star walked Gregory Burns, who then stole second. Chris Dunn singled to score burns and moved to 2nd on a throwing error by Steedley. Webb singled and Ontiveros walked to load the bags. A wild pitch by Steedley put Dunn over the plate and Cousins would go yard over the right center field wall to bring in Webb and Ontiveros. Ernesto Manzarillo singled before Jose Lugo was brought into to replace Steedley. Lugo would allow a single to Morrison and a double to Vasil Spanos to score Manzarillo. He'd then walk Spike McDougal before Gregory Burns flew out to retire the side.

Eli Tintor and Yangervis Solarte attempted to rally the team by hitting back-to-back singles in the bottom of the 7th, but with Edward Ovalle already out, Danny Santiesteban ground into a double play, finishing the contest and sending the water logged crowd of 531 - or at least those that remained after 3 hours of rain delay - home.

Tintor finished up 2-for-3 while Berg, Ovalle, Solarte and Garrett Olson all had a single a piece.

The final game of the series is Monday night, mother nature permitting. Cole Devries (7-6, 2.45) will take the start for the Miracle.

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Speaking of Cole Devries, the Fort Myers right handed pitcher is the Twins Minor League Player of the Week for July 5-11. Devries, 23, went 1-0 with a four-hit complete game win over Vero Beach. In 17 games (16 starts) this season he is 7-6 with a 2.45 ERA.

Devries, who is from Eden Prairie, MN, signed with the Twins August 22, 2006 as a non-drafted free agent out of the University of Minnesota. He made his professional debut last season with Beloit and went 9-5 with a 3.41 ERA.

The World Team took a 3-0 victory from Team USA in the Future's Game on Sunday. Former Miracle Luke Hughes started at 3rd base for the World Team.

Hughes went 0-for-2, with a lineout to center field and a strikeout in the contest. Denard Span who was supposed to play for Team USA as well as for Team USA in the Olympics remained on call up to the Minnesota Twins, making it unlikely that he will make his Olympic date as well. {Strib: Luke Hughes}

From MiLB.com:

THE WEEK THAT WAS: The Miracle had a winning week with four wins in seven games. Fort Myers is currently tied with Lakeland for second place in the FSL West, three games behind division-leading Dunedin.

WHO'S HOT, WHO'S NOT: 1B Daniel Berg has been hitting a decent clip of late. The native of Glen Iris, Australia, has eight hits in his last 26 plate appearances through nine games for a .308 average. ... LF Juan Portes has only reached base safely five times in his last 10 games through 35 at-bats for a .143 average.

PLAYER TO WATCH: LHP Jose Lugo has been money in the bank in recent days coming out of the Miracle bullpen. The native of the Dominican Republic has not allowed an earned run in his last 9 1/3 innings pitched through four appearances. In that span he has struck out eight and walked one.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK: C Wilson Ramos drove in four of the Miracle's six runs on two hits in a 6-1 win at Vero Beach on July 9. The native of Venezuela homered to left in his second at-bat to put Fort Myers up, 2-0. In the sixth, Ramos belted a three-run homer to center for 5-1 lead.

The usual suspects

Fort Myers 1 at Vero Beach 12

W: H. Rollins (5-7, 3.46); L: A. Burnett (6-3, 3.69)
HR: VER: M. Fields (14), J. Callender (1).

Rounding up the usual suspects to pin this blow out on would not be hard. The Miracle bullpen has been suspect all season. While Alex Burnett was quietly good prior to the All-star break, he's struggled in the second half, with the exception of a very good game against Brevard County.

Burnett would exit early, lasting only three innings after surrendering 7 runs, 3 earned, on 8 hits. Garrett Groce and John Matulia singled to start out the Rays offense in the bottom of the 1st. Groce however would be picked off and caught stealing by Miracle catcher Danny Lehmann. Neil Walton then hit a double to score Matulia. Walton would go to 3rd on Nevin Ashley's ground out, then come home on a Cesar Suarz single to give the Rays an early two run lead.

Al Reyes made a rehab start for the Rays and was replaced in the top of the second by Heath Rollins. Yangervis Solarte singled off of him, but the Miracle offense was nearly as listless as the pitching, managing only 6 hits to Vero Beach's 16.

Burnett got three quick outs in the bottom of the 2nd and in the top of the third, Yancarlos Ortiz singled out to center, then stole 2nd. Edward Ovalle would reach on throwing error by Matthew Hall at short that allowed Ortiz to score for the Miracle's lone run in the game.

Groce and Matulia singled in the bottom of the 3rd and Walton reached on a force attempt, but a fielding error by Ortiz allowed Groce to score and put Matulia on 2nd. Ashely hit into a force out to nab Walton at 2nd, which left runners at the corners. Suarez drove in Maulia and Ashley with a single to right that Ovalle threw past Solarte at third. Following a line out to 3rd, Joey Callender homered to bring in Suarez. Burnett would get Lopez to ground out, but it would be Spencer Steedley who trotted out to the mound in the 4th.

Groce singled and Matulia doubled to greet the new sitting duck pitcher. Walton's ground ball to center brought in the pair. Steedley would then get Ashley to fly out and Suarez to strike out. Despite loading the bags in the fifth, he'd manage to get out of the inning without additional damage.

Matt Williams replaced Steedley in sixth and walked Walton, then hit Ashley with a pitch. After Suarez went down on strikes, a wild pitch moved the pair. Matt Fields then doubled out to left to drive them in, making it 11-1.

Matt Hall would hit a ground rule double in the bottom of the second, but Williams was able to get out of the inning, despite hitting pinch hitter Craig Albernaz with a pitch. Fields would homer off Williams in the 8th to make it 12-1.

Ovalle was 2-for-4 while Wilson Ramos, Solarte, Lehmann and Ortiz all had singles in the game, making them, each and every one, one hit wonders. No one walked, and the Rays pitching staff struck out a combined total of eight.

The Miracle leave town with a split and return home to Hammond Stadium for a 4-game set against the Jupiter Hammerheads. It is Dog Daze III, plus Happy Hour Friday, so bring your Pooch to the Park and treat him or her to some free hot dogs from 6 until 7 PM. I doubt the Chips and Salsa would be much to their liking.

Deolis Guerra (8-4, 4.58) will hopefully be to the liking of the home town crowd as he'll be on the mound against Jupiter's Jeff Allison (5-6, 4.56). First pitch is due right after the free dogs stop, at 7:05 PM.

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Homestand Happenings: Saturday is Miracle Stadium Blanket Giveaway with the first 750 fans being treated to a stadium blanket from Gator Country 101.9 FM and Mix 104.7 FM. The Miracle also honor the first year inductees into the Topps Professional Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame. Sunday is family Funday at the ball park with 4 general admission tickets, 4 dogs and 4 sodas, plus a program for only $20. Monday night is "Miracle Mystery Night" where you'll find yourself asking "Who did it?"

One night after being blown out by the Boston Red Sox 18-5, the Minnesota Twins bounced back to pick up a win over the Detroit Tigers, 7-6. Former Miracle Justin Moneau was 5-for-5 at the plate with a pair of runs including a home run to lead the Twins attack. Tampa Bay native Denard Span, who played for the Miracle in 2005, was 4-for-4 with a walk and a pair of runs as well.

Devries de-rails Rays

Fort Myers 6 at Vero Beach 1

W: C. Devries (7-6, 2.45); L: W. Noel (1-2, 3.86)
HR: FTM: W. Ramos 2 (10), J. Portes (9). VER: N. Ashley (1).

Cole Devries has been excellent so far this season for the Fort Myers Miracle. Wednesday night, he took the meaning of the word to a whole new level.

Devries allowed 1 run while scattering 4 hits and a walk and fanning six as he threw his first complete game, going the distance over the Vero Beach Devil Rays.

The Miracle exchanged home runs with the Rays in the 2nd inning. Juan Portes put his 9th of the season over the left field wall, while Nevil Ashley got his first of the year, over the center field wall.

Wilson Ramos put his 9th our of the park in the top of the 4th, going over the left field wall.

Steve Singleton's line drive to left got him on the bags in the top of the sixth and Edward Ovalle walked before Ramos blasted his 10th for the Miracle over the center field wall to add three more runs. One out later, Danny Berg walked which prompted a pitching change for the Rays, with the appropriately named Matthew Walker replacing Chris Kelly. Yangervis Solarte would go down on strikes, before Eli Tintor singled to move Berg to third. Yancarlos Ortis drew a walk to load the bags and Garrett Olson followed that up with a walk of his own to force in a run. Walker finally got Singleton to fly out to retire the side.

The teams play one more on Thursday before the Miracle return home to the Bill on Friday for Dog Daze III. It also include free dogs for you and your canine furrriend to munch on.

Alex Burnett (6-2, 3.52) will attempt to redeem himself after giving up ten (Yes 10!) hits to Lakeland Saturday. He will contend against Heath Rollins (4-7,3.87) who is the Florida State League's strike out leader. First pitch is due at 7:00 PM.

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Pitcher Carlos Gutierrez has been assigned to the Miracle. Gutierrez was the 27th overall pick in last month's draft by the Minnesota Twins after serving as the University of Miami's closer. NDN

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New Britain 0 at Harrisburg 9

W: J. Zimmermann (4-2, 3.68); L: J. Manship (1-3, 3.86)
HR: HAR: G. Guzman (7), L. Davis (4).

Despite eight hits, the New Britain Rock Cats were again shown to be clawless against the Harrisburg Senators, behaving like good little house kitties and catnapping through nine.

Jeff Manship gave up six runs, only 2 earned, on 13 hits and a pair of walks while striking out 2 in five innings. Errors by Felix Molina and Luke Hughes lead to the unearned runs.

Former Miracle Garrett Guzman was 3-for-4 with 3 runs and 3 RBIs for the Senators.

Danny Valencia was 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and Matt Moses was 2-for-4 with a double for the Rock Cats.

New Britain plays one more, Thursday, July 10th at Commerce Bank Park for a 6:35 PM contest before returning to New Britain Stadium to host the Portland Sea Dogs. (Upcoming Homestand)

Adrian Alaniz (0-1, 4.18 ERA) goes to the mound for the Sens against the Rock Cats' Jay Rainville (5-7, 6.88 ERA).

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Ovalle leads Miracle to 7th Straight

Fort Myers 2 at Lakeland 1

W: B. Erickson (2-0, 2.25); L: N. Martin (2-3, 4.05)
HR: FTM: E. Ovalle (7).

A lot of so called experts have written that Cole Devries is not a legitimate MLB prospect because he doesn't have a "money" pitch. The former Golden Gopher does have great control and terrific mound poise however, and evidently didn't get the memo about not being a "real" prospect. If he's not real, then all I can say is he's doing a great imitation of one.

Devries surrendered only 3 hits and one walk over six innings while fanning six. He'd take a no decision against the Lakeland Flying Tigers as the Fort Myers Miracle could not find the game winning run until the 14th inning of a very long game at Joker Marchent Stadium.

The Miracle had only six hits in the contest, and Edward Ovalle at least showed some love for his starter by going yard in the 4th inning, bashing a fly ball over the right field wall. It would be the Miracle first hit of the game, as Tiger's starter Guillermo Moscoso only allowed 3 over the seven innings he'd work. He'd walk one - Danny Berg in the second inning - and fanned six.

The only thing marring Devries performance would be Cale Iorg's ground rule double in the bottom of the first. Ozzie Sosa would take over in the 7th inning and after getting Ryan Strieby out on strikes, allowed back-to-back-to-back singles to Michael Bertram, Santo De Leon, and Justin Justice to give the Tigers a run. Carmelo Jaime would ground into a double play however ending the inning before Lakeland pushed a few more runners over the plate.

And the game would stay tied at one each for another 7 innings.

Jose Lugo would work the next three, allowing 2 hits to go with his pair of strike outs. Blair Erickson took the next four, walking four and fanning 2.

Derek Witt and Jay Sborz would work one each for the Tigs, before Ramon Garcia came in to pull the long haul of the next four.

Lakeland field manager Andy Barkett would get Nick Martin out of the bullpen for the top of the 14th inning. Steve Singleton's fly ball to right got him on base, and he'd follow that up by stealing 2nd. Ovalle then whipped his own fly ball, this one to center to drive in Sing for the game winning run. Martin would walk Danny Berg to get at Yangervis Solarte and was able to induce the Miracle rookie to line into a double play to retire the side.

Erickson however, would take De Leon and Justice down on strikes and get pinch hitter Devin Thomas to ground out to end the game.

The two teams rematch tomorrow for Firework's game #2, with a start time of 6:00 PM (Eastern).

Earlier in the day, Dunedin defeated Clearwater 8-6, so the Miracle still trail by one game in the standings, despite winning their seventh straight. While the Miracle already have their playoff berth locked up, it would be nice to face a team other than Dunedin in the playoffs for once.

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Jay Rainville was promoted to New Britain Friday while former Miracle Steve Tolleson and Frank Mata were placed on the DL. Rainville is expected to start Saturday's game at New Britain Stadium against the Connecticut Defenders. (Press Release)

The Miracle Charity Golf Classic will be held Aug. 24 at a site to be determined. The tournament benefits the Foundation Fighting Blindness. For information, contact Terry Simon at 239-768-4210 or tsimon@miraclebaseball.com

Wanted. One Bullpen. Must be able to throw for strikes.

Fort Myers 6 at Palm Beach 10

W: E. Hernandez (3-1, 5.70); L: J. Lugo (1-4, 5.82)
HR: FTM: E. Ovalle (6).

Tyler Robertson had a tough night for his second outing back from tendinitis and the bullpen continued to emit great sucking sounds as the Fort Myers Miracle saw a 4-run sixth inning wasted by their pitching staff.

Palm Beach would get on the board first, when Tony Cruz drew a walk off Robertson. Brandon Buckman's line drive move Cruz to 3rd and a Luke Goresett line drive single saw him across the plate.

The Miracle took it back in to the top of the 2nd when Garrett Olson hit a ground rule double with 2 outs. Eli Tintor followed that with a walk and Yancarlos Ortiz hit a line drive out to left to score Olson.

Edward Ovalle homered in the top of the 4th to give the Miracle a slim lead.

It would be squandered though as Cruz doubled off Robertson to start the bottom of the fifth. A wild pitch moved Cruz to 3rd. He'd get Brandon Buckman out on strikes before hitting Gorsett with a pitch. Daryl Jones line drive single scored Cruz to tie up the game. Jeff Smith had seen enough at that point and fetch Oswaldo Sosa from the bullpen. Brian Carte would hit a sac-fly off Sosa to drive in Gorsett, and a throwing error by Olson, who suddenly found himself a center fielder(?!), moved Jones to 3rd. Daniel Decalso's grounder to second plated Jones to make it 4-2 Cards.

Blake King would take over the Cardinals mound from Shaun Garceau in the top of the sixth. Juan Portes took a walk and moved to 2nd on a wild pitch. Yangervis Solarte then singled, putting Portes on 3rd and Olson walked to load the bags. After a strike out by Tintor, Ortis singled to drive in a pair. Steve Singleton then doubled to finish cleaning off the bases, and it was 6-4 Miracle.

The bottom the 7th saw Gorsett single and Jones Walk. Cartie would go down on a sac-bunt that moved the pair. Smith then summoned Jose Lugo from the bullpen and all I could do was scream "No! No! No!" Descalso took a walk and Nick Derba struck out swinging. James Rapoport then singled to bring in the tying runs.

Then, to compound matters, they let Lugo back out for the 8th. Cruz walked and Buckman doubled. Goresett's grounder scored Cruz and a wild pitch brought in Buckman. Daryl Jones then walked. Blair Erickson would come in, although a tad bit late. Cartie would hit a sac-bunt to move the runners and Erickson then intentionally walked Descalso. He'd then, quite unintentionally, walk Derba to force in a run. A wild pitch would see Jones home to finish off the Cards scoring.

Ortiz was 3-for-4 for the Miracle with a run and 3 RBIs. Six other Miracle had single with only Berg and Portes going without, although both took walks in the game.

They now return home to "Flight to nowhere", one of the lamest promotions I'd ever read about and if any of the Fun Is Good staff thinks they're going to charge me for bringing my bag into the stadium, well...they better remember that FIGs are the main part of FIGgy pudding and I may just have to whip me up a batch on the concourse. I can't image why Steve Gliner thinks people will pay to go to a Miracle game to experience all the unpleasant aspects of air travel, when they can just hop on over to Southwest Florida International Airport, but...there it is. One hopes he comes with a warning label that says "Caution, may contain nut".

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New Hampshire 3 at New Britain 1

W: B. Cecil (3-1, 3.21); L: R. Mullins (6-6, 3.40); SV: Z. Dials (11)
HR: NHM: J. Arencibia (2).

The Rock Cats narrowly missed a second straight shut out on Wednesday when Danny Valencia single, moved to 2nd on a Brock Peterson walk and came in on an Erik Lis double in the eighth inning.

The Rock Cats out hit the Fisher Cats 9 to 8, but they couldn't get anything in clumps. (Perhaps a new brand of kitty litter?)

Valencia and Lis were both 2-for-4 on the nights. Dustin Martin, David Winfree, Peterson, Rocky Palacios and Brian Dinkelman all had singles.

Mullins suffered his sixth loss of the season, despite a quality start that saw him give up only 3 run, 2 earned, on seven hits and a pair of walks while fanning 5 over seven innings.

A throwing error by Peterson in the top of the 2nd lead to the unearned run.

Former Dunedin Blue Jay Brett Cecil pitched five shutout innings for the 3rd consecutive game, scattering 5 hits and striking out 4.

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