Two unearned runs lead Reds past Miracle, 2-1

By Special to the Naples Daily News

Two unearned runs in the top of the first inning turned out to be just enough for the Sarasota Reds as the visitors escaped with a 2-1 win over the Fort Myers Miracle on Saturday night. Both starters were impressive at Hammond Stadium as Reds lefty Ben Jukich went six innings, allowing just one hit and struck out seven in the win. Miracle hurler Zach Ward tossed eight innings, giving up the two runs on six hits, fanning nine in the loss.

Cody Strait led off the ball game with a ground ball to Steve Tolleson at second. Tolleson misplayed the grounder as Strait reached on the error. After a walk to Eric Eymann, a wild pitch uncorked by Ward would lead to Strait scoring the game’s first run. A two-out RBI-double from Chris Valaika would give the Reds their eventual game-winner.

Jukich and the Reds pitching staff kept the Miracle bats at bay until the ninth. A two-out single from Juan Portes began the rally. After a walk to Danny Valencia, Erik Lis delivered with a RBI-double to left slicing the lead to one, and putting the game-winning runs at second and third.

After an intentional walk to Edward Ovalle, Johnny Woodard would come up with the bases-loaded with a chance to win it. After battling at the plate, Woodard ended up striking out to end the contest.

A pair of hitting streaks continued for the Miracle in the Saturday night loss. Brian Dinkelman’s lead-off single in the first moved his streak to 13, while Portes’ hit in the ninth pushed his to six.

The Miracle will look to split the series with a win in the finale on Sunday afternoon. The “Afternoon with Elmo” 1:05 p.m. ball game will see LHP Errol Simonitsch make his first start for the Miracle, against the Reds RHP Logan Ondrusek (5-6, 4.48).