Miracle tie franchise record with 12th straight win

By Special to the Naples Daily News

LAKELAND — The franchise record of 12 straight wins set by the Fort Myers Miracle squad in 1995 now has some company. The 12-year-old mark was equaled on Friday night as the Miracle used 15 hits in a 9-4 win over the Lakeland Flying Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Five Miracle hitters had multiple hit nights helping to extend Lakeland’s streak to eight straight losses.

Both teams would trade a pair of runs in the first for a quick start. The Miracle picked up an RBI double from Erik Lis and a groundout from Juan Portes, while Lakeland used a throwing error by Portes in left, and a groundout by Max Leon for the 2-2 tie. The offense would pick right back up in the second with three runs and never look back.

A bunt single from Edward Ovalle started things off before Brian Dinkelman’s two-out single to right scored Ovalle allowing the Miracle to regain a 3-2 lead. A throwing error by Justin Justice in right along with Lis’ second RBI via a single to right, made it a three-run Miracle lead.

Two more Lakeland runs in the fifth made things interesting in a new, one-run game. An error, wild pitch and RBI double from Leon brought the hometown Tigers into a 5-4 contest. Another run-scoring single off Dinkelman’s bat in the sixth provided some insurance until the three-run eighth, led by Jeff Christy’s two-run double and Tolleson’s sacrifice fly.

The 15 hits on Friday trail only the season-high of 17 set back in June against the Jupiter Hammerheads. The Miracle received six strong innings by starter Zach Ward, two from Danny Powers and one from J.P. Martinez in the win. Dinkelman and Ovalle each had three hits on the night while Tolleson, Lis and Johnny Woodard each had two.

Game two of the series will take place an hour earlier on Saturday night at Joker Marchant Stadium. RHP Jay Rainville (7-10, 3.24) will get the start at 6 p.m. as the Miracle go for a new franchise record of 13 straight wins.