Pitching, small ball lead Miracle to series win

By Special to Fort Myers News Press

TAMPA — Saturday night, it was great pitching along with a little small ball for the Fort Myers Miracle that led them to a 2-1 win over the Tampa Yankees.

Miracle starter Kyle Waldrop tossed seven innings, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out six to pick up his second win of the season. Frank Mata pitched perfect eighth and ninth innings to record his first save of the year.

With the win, the Miracle grabbed their fourth consecutive series victory by taking two of three at Legends Field.

Tampa struck in the first inning with its only run as Hideki Matsui grounded into a 5-4-3 double play that scored Reegie Corona from third.

The Miracle tied things at 1 just a half-inning later. With runners at second and third, Edward Ovalle grounded out, bringing home Whit Robbins with the tying run.

Things stayed the same until the Miracle eighth. Steve Tolleson led off with a walk and moved to second on Dwayne White's sacrifice bunt. Trailing with a 1-2 count, Juan Portes sliced a single to right, scoring Tolleson with the go-ahead run.

NEXT GAME

Who: Fort Myers Miracle vs. Clearwater Threshers
When: 7:05 p.m. Monday
Where: Hammond Stadium