Miracle foursome toss shutout

VIERA — The Fort Myers Miracle put a twist on their pitching staff Saturday night, and the results were spectacular.

Fort Myers sent closer Justin Olson out to make his first professional start, and Olson and three relievers combined for a three-hit, 8-0 Florida State League shutout of the Brevard County Manatees at Space Coast Stadium.

Olson worked the first three innings, allowing one hit while walking one and striking out three. Ricky Barrett then tossed four shutout innings, surrendering just two hits while walking two and striking out six. Marcus Moseley and Pat Neshek combined to work the final two innings.

The Miracle offense made sure the pitchers got plenty of run support. Fort Myers gave Olson four runs before he set foot on the mound.

In the top of the first, Ben Pattee and Danny Matienzo had back-to-back doubles for a 1-0 lead. After a walk to Doug Deeds and a single by Jose Morales loaded the bases, Kaulana Kuhaulua singled in a run. Garrett Guzman hit into a fielder’s choice to score another run and Jesus Merchan added an RBI single.

The Miracle tacked on two more in the fourth on a two-run, two-out triple by Jose Morales.

They finished the scoring in the eighth with a two-run homer by Matienzo, his fourth of the season.

Merchan finished the night 3-for-5 with an RBI.

The Miracle, who have now won four straight, recorded their league-leading ninth shutout of the season.

The same two teams will meet at 1:35 today in Viera. The Miracle start left-hander John Thomas (2-0, 2.70 ERA) against Manatees RHP Darrell Rasner (2-5, 3.94).