Miracle's Perkins goes distance in shutout win

By SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-PRESS

Glen Perkins didn't make the All-Star team, but he looked like an All-Star on Thursday night at Hammond Stadium as he hurled a complete game shutout as the Miracle defeated the Clearwater Threshers 3-0 in the final game before the All-Star Break.

Perkins allowed just six hits, all singles, and never allowed a base runner past second base. He struck out seven and earned his second complete game of the season while lowering his ERA to 2.13.

Scott Whitrock provided the runs for the Miracle. After Brock Peterson singled to lead off the second inning, Whitrock ripped a two-run shot over the left-field wall for his ninth home run of the season.

Whitrock finished the evening 2-for-4 with a double, homer and three RBI. Felix Molina, who was promoted to Double-A following the game, went 2-for-4 with a triple and a run scored.

The Miracle have the next three days off for the All-Star break and resume the first half of the season Monday night at Hammond Stadium where they will take on the Lakeland Tigers at 7 p.m.