Miracle move game closer to playoff spot

By Special to The News-Press

The Fort Myers Miracle realize that it doesn't matter how much help they get from the rest of the Florida State League's West Division if they don't take care of their own business.

They made sure not to slip up Monday night at the Lee County Sports Complex, moving a step closer to a playoff spot by virtue of a 10-2 victory over the Tampa Yankees, and the Dunedin Blue Jays' 8-3 loss to the Sarasota Reds.

For Myers now trails the Blue Jays by 2 1/2 games for the wild-card berth with six games to play.

The Miracle left little doubt early on that they were ready to take on the task at hand, exploding for three runs in the second inning.

Kyle Geiger led off with a single to right-center. Mark Zamojc followed with a single to right-center to put runners at first and second. Two outs later, Luke Hughes was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Ron Perodin slapped a single to left to make it 1-0. Matt Tolbert and Jake Mauer followed with RBI singles to put Fort Myers on top 3-0.

In the third, Justin Arneson led off with a solo homer to left, his third of the season. Geiger followed with a single to short and Zamojc doubled him to third. Jose Leger then singled them both home to make it 6-0.

That was more than enough for the Miracle pitching staff.

Fort Myers starter Anthony Swarzak went six solid innings, allowing one run on six hits while walking two and striking out three. Jose Mijares allowed a run in his 1 2/3 innings of work and Jan Granado retired all four batters he faced.

Mauer finished the night 3-for-4, with an RBI and a run scored, and Arneson was 2-for-5, with a double, home run, three RBI and two runs scored.

The Miracle will look to get a little closer to the playoffs tonight at the Lee County Sports Complex with another game against the Yankees at 7:05 p.m.

The Miracle with send right-hander Scott Tyler (6-8, 3.91 ERA) to the hill against Tampa righty Elvys Quezada (4-1, 6.16).