Miracle wash away Palm Beach 13-6

By SPECIAL TO THE HEWS-PRESS

Fire hoses were blasting on top of the dugouts in between innings soaking the more than 4,000 kids in attendance on Big Splash Day out at Hammond Stadium, but it was the Fort Myers Miracle who left the Palm Beach Cardinals feeling all wet in a 13-6 drubbing Tuesday afternoon.

The Miracle responded after finding out Monday night that their offensive leader, Matt Moses, was called up to Double-A New Britain and leaving them without a player hitting over .264. That didn't matter, at least for one day, as the Miracle scored in every inning, but the sixth.

Matt Tolbert was 3-for-3 with a double, two RBI, three runs scored and two walks while J.R. Taylor went 4-for-4 with a double, five RBI, one run scored and a sacrifice fly.

Miracle reliever Peter Tautor pitched the final three innings to earn his first save of the season.

The teams meet at 7:05 tonight at Hammond Stadium. The Miracle send right-hander Scott Tyler (5-5, 3.83) to the hill against Cardinals righty Josh Axelson (3-2, 5.35).

RHP Nick Blackburn and SS Matt Moses were promoted to Double-A New Britain (Conn.) following Monday's game. The Miracle added RHP Anthony Swarzak from Class A Beloit.

The 20-year-old Moses made his first All-Star team in 2005 while hitting .306 with seven homers and 42 RBI in 74 games with the Miracle.

The 23-year-old Blackburn, ended his time with the Miracle by hurling seven shut out innings on Monday night allowing just five hits while walking He finished with a 7-5 record and a 3.36 ERA in 15 games, all starts.