Miracle split doubleheader

The Fort Myers Miracle were primed to take both ends of a doubleheader against the St. Lucie Mets on Wednesday night at Hammond Stadium, but lost a two-run lead late in the nightcap. They wound up losing 4-3 in eight innings, but won Game 1, 3-2.

In the opener, the Miracle used a three-run fourth inning after Mets starter Brian Bannister pitched a perfect three innings. In the fourth Alex Romero led off with a single. Ron Perodin walked and Danny Matienzo singled in Romero. Doug Deeds' fielders choice scored Perodin to tie the game at two. Jose Morales doubled to put runners at second and third and a hard ground out by Garrett Guzman scored the deciding run.

Miracle starter Jeff Randazzo got the win, allowing two unearned runs in five-plus innings. Pat Neshek picked up the save.

The Mets' Bobby Malek hit a solo homer and Lastings Milledge doubled in a run for a 4-2 lead. The Miracle scored a run in the bottom half, but couldn't push across the tying run.

The same two teams meet tonight at 7:05. The Miracle send Justin Olson (6-6, 2.87) to the hill. Also tickets are still available for the Rock 'N Roll Concert on Saturday evening. Game time is 5:05 p.m. with the concert featuring Chubby Checker beginning shortly following the game. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling the Miracle office at 239-768-4210 or going to the Web site at www.miraclebaseball.com.