Miracle lose 3rd straight

By Special To The News-press

On the heels of the longest game in franchise history, the Fort Myers Miracle couldn't muster enough offense for the third straight game and saw their losing streak reach three games in a 4-3 loss to the Clearwater Threshers on Friday night at Hammond Stadium.

Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the third inning, the Miracle finally plated a run after 19 consecutive scoreless innings. With two out and Kyle Geiger at first, Alexi Casilla extended his hitting streak to nine games with an RBI double down the left-field line to tie the game.

Casilla finished 3-for-4 with a double.

Miracle starting pitcher Kyle Aselton was solid through 5 2/3 innings before walking the last batter he faced in the sixth.

Alexander Farfan relieved Aselton, and promptly surrendered a two-run homer to Brian Selliers that gave the Threshers a 3-1 lead.

Clearwater's Zach Norman homered off Farfan in the seventh to make it 4-1.

Aselton allowed two runs on three hits while walking three and striking out seven.

The Miracle narrowed the deficit in the ninth off Threshers closer Adam Schafer. Garrett Guzman led off the inning with a walk, Luke Hughes delivered a one-out single, and Jeremy Pickrel doubled to score two runs. But pinch-hitter Erold Andrus popped out and Johnny Woodard struck out to end the game.

The Miracle will play host to the Threshers in the finale of the three-game series at 7 tonight. The Miracle will send lefty John Thomas (0-0, 0.00 ERA) to the hill against Threshers right-hander Julio de La Cruz (0-0, 0.00).