Miracle win sixth straight, sink Manatees 4-1

By Naples Daily News staff

FORT MYERS — Another three-run first inning and seven innings of work by Fort Myers Miracle starter Kyle Waldrop led the Miracle to a 4-1 victory over the Brevard County Manatees on Friday night. The Miracle wins their sixth straight behind Waldrop’s seven frames where he allowed the only run on three hits.

The second-consecutive three-run first for the Miracle began with a hit-by-pitch to Brian Dinkelman followed by a four pitch walk to Steve Tolleson. After a one-out walk to Dustin Martin loaded the bases, a groundball from Juan Portes would bring in Dinkelman for a 1-0 lead.

On the same play, a throwing error by Mike Bell at second allowed Tolleson to score as well making it a two-run lead. Danny Valencia then came up and gave the Miracle a 3-0 lead with his RBI-single to right.

In the Miracle fourth, a solo-blast from Portes, his eighth of the year, would extend the advantage to 4-0. The lone Manatee run came across in the sixth as Nestor Corridor scored on Yohannis Perez’s single to right.

The Miracle will look to make it a perfect week on Saturday night in game three against Brevard County. The Miracle will send right-hander Zach Ward (3-15, 3.21) against the Manatees righty Mike McClendon (4-3, 3.90) at 7:05 p.m.