Loss cuts Miracle lead

By special to the Fort Myers News Press

CLEARWATER — The Fort Myers Miracle may have been a little relieved when they found out that one of the best leadoff hitters in the Florida State League, Bryan Burgamy, was promoted from the Clearwater Threshers to Double-A.

His replacement, Greg Golson, made everyone forget about Burgamy as Golson hit for the cycle as the Miracle lost 5-1 to the Threshers on Monday night at Bright House Networks Field.

The Miracle's lead in the division is down to a half game by virtue of Tampa's 5-4 win over the Sarasota Reds.

Golson, who hit just .220 at Class A Lakewood before being promoted a month ago, was hitting .248 coming into play Monday. He led off the bottom of the first inning with a solo homer against Miracle starter Anthony Swarzak, Golson's sixth of the season.

In the second, Brad Harman led off with a single and stole second. Two outs later, Golson struck again, with an RBI single to right to make it 2-0. Swarzak, who was named to the Postseason FSL All-Star Team prior to the game, lasted just two innings, allowing two runs on four hits while walking three. It was his shortest outing of the season.

The Miracle made it 2-1 in the fourth when Brandon Roberts led off with a single to left.

Trevor Plouffe followed with a double down the left-field line that drove in Roberts.

David Winfree followed with a sinking liner to right, but right fielder J.J. Johnson robbed Winfree of extra bases with an incredible, diving play.

Brock Peterson and Deacon Burns struck out to end the inning.

Threshers starter Kyle Kendrick went seven innings, allowing one run on six hits while walking one and striking out five, earning his second victory against the Miracle in the last five days.

The teams will meet again at 7:05 tonight at Bright House Networks Field. The Miracle will start right-hander Josh Hill (6-5, 5.25 ERA) against Threshers lefty Zach Cline (0-0, 5.79 ERA).