Manatees beat Miracle 3-2

By SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-PRESS

VIERA — Anthony Swarzak made his Fort Myers Miracle debut Saturday night at Space Coast Stadium and the 19-year-old, second-round pick of the Minnesota Twins in 2004 was impressive, but the Miracle dropped a 3-2 pitchers' duel to the Brevard County Manatees.

Swarzak used his low 90s fastball and big sweeping curve to baffle the Manatee hitters. He gave up just two runs in seven innings on five hits while striking out seven and retired 11 of the first 12 batters he faced.

Swarzak was outdueled by Manatee starter Carlos Villanueva. Villanueva received his first loss of the season in his last start and entered the Florida State League game with a 2.21 ERA.

He took a no-hitter into the sixth before Kyle Phillips singled to center with two outs. Villanueva went six shutout innings, allowing one hit while walking two and striking out 10, but his bullpen couldn't hold the lead.

The teams meet again at 1 p.m. today at Space Coast Stadium. The Miracle send right-hander Adam Harben (6-4, 2.60) to the hill against Manatee righty Luis Pena (2-5, 5.03).

Also on Saturday, pitcher Jay Rainville, the Minnesota Twins' first round pick from 2004, joined the Fort Myers Miracle for Saturday night's game.

Rainville, the 39th overall selection in 2004, was 8-2, 3.77 ERA in 16 games while with Single-A Beloit. In 88 1/3 innings pitched he walked 27 and struck out 77 while opponents hit .243 against him.

Right-hander Scott Tyler was placed on the disabled list with an injury to his knee. He is 5-6 with a 4.00 ERA in 17 games, all starts, in 2005. In 87 2/3 innings he has walked 35 and struck out a team-high 85 while opponents are hitting .248 against him.