Miracle win twin-bill opener, nightcap postponed

By David Dorsey
Special to the Fort Myers News-Press

A complete game by Fort Myers' Errol Simonitsch in Game 1 of a scheduled Florida State League doubleheader Sunday led the Miracle to a 3-1 win over the Clearwater Threshers.

Game 2 was postponed due to inclement weather and will be made up with another twin-bill beginning at 5:05 p.m. today.

Simonitsch went the seven-inning distance, giving up an unearned run on three hits, with seven strikeouts, in the win. Both teams had chances early on before each was finally able to cash in during the fourth.

Local squad to be honored today

The Cape Coral Cannons, a local team that won the World League Baseball Tournament in the Dominican Republic last month, will be honored today.

Ten children, aged 13, will combine to throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Miracle game at Hammond Stadium when Fort Myers takes on the Clearwater Threshers.

The Cannons defeated a team from the Dominican Republic 3-2 for the world title on the weekend of July 21.

There were 16 teams in that tournament, hailing from Florida, Mexico, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, the Dominican and California, coach Jeff Bender said.

Most of the team's players also won four straight state titles for their Babe Ruth League squad.

"It was an unbelievable feeling for them to win a world title," Bender said.

IF YOU GO

Who: Fort Myers Miracle vs. Clearwater Threshers
When: 5:05 p.m. today
Where: Hammond Stadium