Miracle can’t hold lead, lose to Threshers

CLEARWATER — Two steps forward, one step back. The Fort Myers Miracle had a chance to go for a three-game sweep Tuesday night at Bright House Networks Field, but squandered a four-run lead and lost 5-4 to the Clearwater Threshers.

The Miracle managed just one hit and three base runners after the third inning and the Threshers got all the momentum in the Florida State League game with a four-run sixth. They scored the winning run in the ninth. After a one-out double from Terry Jones, Miracle reliever Pete Fisher struck out Tim Gradoville, but gave up a line-drive single to Juan Richardson that scored the winning run.

Fort Myers starter John Thomas was superb through five innings, but appeared to tire in the sixth. He gave up two walks and single before being removed for Jannio Gutierrez. Two infield singles, a fielder’s choice and an error allowed the Threshers to tie the game at 4. Thomas ended up going five innings, allowing three runs on five hits, while walking four and striking out six.

The Miracle got all four of their runs in the third. With one out, Felix Molina tripled. One out later, Ron Perodin singled him home. Danny Matienzo had a single and then the ball got by the outfielder, allowing the run to score and letting Matienzo get to third. Garrett Guzman singled home a run and Elvis Corporan finished the scoring with an RBI double. That would be the last hit of the night for the Miracle until a two-out single by Corporan in the eighth. He finished 2-for-4.

The Miracle will now head to Ed Smith Stadium to take on the Sarasota Red Sox at 7:05 p.m. today. The Miracle will start right-hander Nick Blackburn (2-0, 3.38 ERA).