Miracle pitcher hot in debut

Rainville throws six strong innings in victory

By SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-PRESS

VIERA — Another 19-year-old turned in a sterling performance for the Fort Myers Miracle as Jay Rainville earned his first victory in the Florida State League, a 3-2 win against the Brevard County Manatees on Monday night at Space Coast Stadium.

Rainville, making his Miracle debut, joined Anthony Swarzak in tossing a quality start in his FSL debut. Rainville went six strong innings, allowing a run on six hits while striking out five.

He hasn't lost a game since May 10, while with Beloit, and has won seven consecutive decisions.

The only run Rainville allowed was in the sixth. He gave up back-to-back singles to Drew Anderson and Adam Heether to put runners at the corners. Steve Moss hit a grounder to third, forcing Heether at second and allowing Anderson to score. Rainville then struck out the final two hitters he faced.

The Miracle got all their runs in the first inning. Manatee starter Ben Diggins walked three of the first five hitters to load the bases. Brock Peterson ripped a bases-clearing double, just inside the left-field line, extending his hitting streak to a Miracle season-best 14 games.

Jannio Gutierrez tossed the final three innings, cruising through the first 2 2/3. With two outs in the ninth, he gave up singles to Wandel Campana and Robbie Deevers to put runners at the corners. He balked in Campana and sent the potential tying run to second. Steve Sollman ripped a shot back to the mound that glanced off Gutierrez's glove to second baseman Angelo Fermin, who threw to first to end the game.

The Miracle are off tonight.