FSL names Miracle's Harben as Pitcher of the Week

Effort includes 1-hitter against Brevard County

By David Dorsey
Fort Myers News Press

Adam Harben picked a good time to throw his best stuff, and he received his reward in the form of an award.

The Florida State League named Harben its Pitcher of the Week on Wednesday.

Harben became the first member of the Class A Fort Myers Miracle minor league baseball team to receive either a pitcher or player of the week award so far this season.

"He's getting after it more," Miracle pitching coach Eric Rasmussen said. "He's being more aggressive. He's letting the ball go."

Harben, 21, did not surrender a hit in the first 7 1/3 innings he pitched Sunday against the Brevard County Manatees.

Travis Ezi broke up the no-hitter on a single in the seventh.

Harben allowed just one hit while walking two. He struck out a season-high 12 hitters.

"He's just throwing harder," Rasmussen said. "He's throwing a couple of miles an hour harder.

"As long as you're throwing your fastball for strikes but not moving it down Central Avenue every time, you're going to be OK. Hopefully, he'll build on these past couple of games."

Minnesota Twins general manager Terry Ryan happened to be in attendance at both of Harben's starts last week as part of his annual visit to the Miracle.

Harben also won earlier in the week against Vero Beach. For the week, he threw 14 innings, allowed just two runs and gave up just four hits while striking out 16.

Harben improved his 2005 record to 4-4 with a 3.38 ERA in 53 1/3 innings of work. He has struck out 49, while opposing hitters have an average of .212.

Miracle manager Riccardo Ingram said the award should give Harben a confidence boost.

Harben is scheduled to start again at 1:05 p.m. Sunday at the Lee County Sports Complex against the Dunedin Blue Jays.

"It was exciting to watch him go for a piece of history on Sunday afternoon," Ingram said. "He had great command of his fastball and his slider was biting hard. If he keeps that up for the rest of the season, he will be tough to hit."

Notes: The beginning of the three-week sprint to the finish within the Western Division will have to wait another day for the Fort Myers Miracle as their game against the Sarasota Reds was rained out Wednesday night. The two teams will meet today at Ed Smith Stadium for a doubleheader beginning at 5 p.m.

The Miracle will send right-hander Nick Blackburn (5-2, 3.20) for the game one and lefty Glen Perkins (1-2, 2.65) to the hill in game two. Both games are scheduled for seven innings. The Miracle return home Friday night and will take on the same Sarasota Reds at 7:05 p.m.