Miracle take two from Reds

BY PHIL DENIS
Sarasota Herald-Tribune

SARASOTA -- Homer Bailey's road back to the major leagues took a positive step Thursday night at Ed Smith Stadium when the prized Cincinnati Reds 21-year-old pitcher threw five innings in a rehabilitation assignment with the Sarasota Reds.

Bailey, the organization's No. 1 draft selection in 2004 who has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the big leagues, is recuperating from a strained right groin. He threw 86 pitches -- 51 for strikes -- during the Fort Myers Miracle's 5-4 comeback victory in the opener of a doubleheader.

Bailey allowed four hits over five scoreless innings before allowing Johnny Woodard's game-tying, three-run homer in the sixth in front of 467 spectators.

In the nightcap, Sarasota left-handed pitcher Alexander Smit didn't allow a hit or earned run to his former teammates in seven innings before the visitors rallied for a 3-2 victory in nine innings to complete the sweep.

The SaraReds second-half record dropped to 36-30 and 79-55 overall and the Miracle improved to 37-30 and 67-70. The teams also ended up tied in the season series with 10 wins apiece.

Sarasota's No. 3-ranked FSL offense came up with 10 hits in the opener. Chris Valaika had two singles and a double and Eric Eymann added three singles.