Swarzak strong in debut, but Fort Myers falls, 3-2

By Daily News staff

Anthony Swarzak was strong in his Fort Myers Miracle debut Saturday night at Space Coast Stadium, but the visiting Miracle still fell to the Brevard County Manatees, 3-2.

The 19-year-old Swarzak, a second-round pick by the Minnesota Twins in 2004, was impressive, using his low-90s fastball and big sweeping curve to baffle the Manatee hitters. He gave up just two runs in seven in nings on five hits while striking out seven, earning a no-decision.

Swarzak, called up five days ago, retired 11 of the first 12 batters he faced.

Brevard County's Carlos Villanueva, second in the Florida State League in ERA at 2.21, took a no-hitter into the sixth inning before Kyle Phillips singled to center with two outs. Villanueva went six shutout innings, allowing one hit while walking two and striking out 10.

The two teams meet again today at 1 p.m.