Miracle drop Sarasota

By Daily News staff

The Fort Myers Miracle improved to 33-16 against the Florida State League's Western Division with a 7-2 victory over Sarasota on Saturday night at Hammond Stadium.

The Miracle surged ahead in the second inning, scoring five runs. Kyle Phillips led off the inning with a single and scored two batters later on Brock Peterson's double. Peterson finished the game 3-for-3.

Matt Tolbert drove in two more runs with a bases-loaded double, and J.R. Taylor capped the scoring with a two-run single.

Justin Jones threw five shutout innings in his second start of the year. Jones allowed two hits, walked one and fanned four.

Relievers Peter Tautor and Julio DePaula held the Reds at bay to preserve the victory.

Tristan Crawford will take the hill for Fort Myers at 7:05 p.m. when the two teams meet again at Hammond Stadium. Edward Valdez will pitch for Sarasota.

Independence Day fireworks will follow the game.