Success doesn’t result in wins

By Chris Umpierre
Fort Myers News-Press

Zach Ward has thrown quality start after quality start for the Fort Miracle this season, but he has little to show for it because of horrendous run support.

Ward is the Florida State League’s losingest pitcher with a 2-14 record despite an impressive 3.03 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. The 23-year-old right-hander is ranked eighth in ERA and fifth in WHIP in the 12-team FSL.

“It’s frustrating at times but all I can do is go out there and give it my best,” Ward said about the lack of run support. “It’s not something I try to think too much about.”

The frustration seemed to reach its peak Thursday. With Ward on the mound, the Miracle jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second inning against the Tampa Yankees.

“I think that’s the first time I’ve got three runs scored for me since May,” he said.

Then Hammond Stadium was hit with rain in the third inning. The downpour was so fierce that the game was canceled. Ward said his teammates joked with him after the cancelation.

“They were interviewing me after the game, asking me how it felt to get some runs and throw a no-hitter through two innings,” Ward said. “They rag me more than I say anything to them. (The lack of run support) is kind of a joke now. It’s kind of funny.”

Ward said the lack of run support doesn’t bother him because the FSL is a developmental league and he feels he’s progressing as a pitcher.

“We keep hearing developmental league but if you have any competitive genes in your body you want to win and he wants to win,” Miracle manager Kevin Boles said.

“But the fact is he hasn’t had the runs support and some of the stuff is out of his control. You have to look at the positive aspect of what he’s done.”

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Miracle outfielder Erik Lis was named the Minnesota Twins Minor League Player of the Week for July 21-27. The 23-year old hit .389 with two doubles, a home run and six RBI in five games. The Oak Lawn, Illinois native leads the Miracle with nine home runs and 62 RBI. Infielder Brian Dinkelman earned the award last week.

SECOND CHANCE

Because of traffic issues, Fort Myers Mayor Jim Humphrey missed his opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Boston Red Sox/Tampa Bay Devil Rays game on Sunday. The Miracle announced Monday that Humphrey will throw out the ceremonial first pitch against the Lakeland Flying Tigers on Thursday at Hammond Stadium.