Miracle pitching staff extends shutout streak

By Special To the Fort Myers News Press

The Fort Myers Miracle pitching staff blanked the Sarasota Reds for the third consecutive game, 5-0 at Hammond Stadium on Wednesday night earning their 999th victory in Fort Myers franchise history.

The Miracle pitching staff has now gone 29 consecutive innings without giving up a run and Wednesday night it was Anthony Swarzak's turn in the rotation to keep up the goose eggs. He had his best performance of the season, going six shutout innings, allowing two hits, the only two hits the Reds had all night, while walking two and striking out eight.

The only hits he gave up were a one out single to Paul Janish in the first and a one out single to Paul Roberts in the third. That was the only inning he ran into trouble when the Reds loaded the bases on two walks and a single, but Swarzak got Jay Garthwaite to hit a soft liner to second baseman Alexi Casilla to end the inning.

Swarzak retired the last 10 batters he faced and Miracle pitchers retired 17 in a row at one point before J.P. Martinez walked Janish with one out in the ninth.

The Miracle's Ryan Callahan worked a perfect seventh and Martinez walked one and struck out six in two innings.

The Miracle head to Jackie Robinson Ballpark to take on the Daytona Cubs at 7:05 tonight. The Miracle send right-hander Kevin Slowey (2-1, 1.48) to the hill.

Outfielder Kevin West's rehab stint with the Miracle has ended with him being recalled by the International League's Rochester Red Wings.