Lakeland clinches first-half title

By Daily News staff

The Lakeland Tigers clinched the Florida State League's first-half Western Division title at the Fort Myers Miracle's expense, edging the Miracle, 2-1, in 11 innings Monday afternoon at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland.

With the bases loaded in the bottom of the 11th, the Tigers' Derek Nicholson smacked a fly ball single to center that scored Juan Francia from third.

Tigers starter Nathan Bumstead pitched eight innings, allowing one run on six hits. Miracle starter Scott Tyler pitched seven innings allowing one run on two hits and striking out eight.

The Miracle now head home to take on the Clearwater Threshers for a four-game series. They begin today with a doubleheader beginning at 5:05 p.m. Both games are scheduled for seven innings.