Tyler pitches Miracle to win over Lakeland

By SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-PRESS

Fort Myers starter Scott Tyler struck out nine over seven innings to help the Miracle outlast the Lakeland Tigers 5-4 on Monday night at the Lee County Sports Complex.

Tyler allowed two runs — both solo home runs — and eight hits en route to collecting his fifth victory of the season.

Victories against the first-half Western Division-champion Tigers had been scarce for the Miracle, who entered Monday just 1-8 against Lakeland.

The Miracle vaulted to a 2-0 lead in the first on Kyle Phillips' RBI double and Brock Peterson's run-scoring ground out.

After the Tigers tied the game with solo homers in the second and fourth innings, Trent Oeltjen helped Fort Myers regain the lead with an RBI sacrifice fly in the sixth.

The Miracle extended their lead to 5-2 in the seventh when Matt Moses singled home Denard Span and Peterson walked with the bases loaded.