Liriano's 12 strikeouts lead Miracle

MELBOURNE — One after another, Francisco Liriano mowed down the Brevard County Manatees.

When it was all over Monday night, the Fort Myers Miracle had beaten the Manatees 6-1 in a Florida State League game behind Liriano's career-high 12 strikeouts.

Liriano was in control all night long. He went 7.1 innings, allowing a run on four hits while walking one.

Liriano's previous high in strikeouts, 10, came in 2001 and 2002 while in the San Francisco organization.

The last Miracle pitcher to strike out a dozen was J.D. Durbin on May 19 last season against Daytona.

Liriano threw 104 pitches, 71 for strikes. His final strikeout of the night was the last batter he faced.

He struck out at least one hitter in every inning but the third, including the side in the fourth. Liriano didn't allow a hit until a leadoff infield single by Dominick Ambrosini in the fifth.

The Miracle gave Liriano all the runs he would need early on. Doug Deeds provided most of the offense, going 3-for-5, with three RBI and two runs scored.

Deeds had RBI singles in the first and third innings, and set a Fort Myers record with his 10th triple of the season, good for another RBI in the fourth inning.

Brett Tamburrino went 3-for-4, with an RBI.