Miracle comeback falls short in Daytona

By Special to the Fort Myers News Press

DAYTONA BEACH — The Fort Myers Miracle couldn't get out of Daytona fast enough after their troubles continued at Jackie Robinson Ballpark as they fell behind early to the Daytona Cubs, then lost 8-4 on Sunday night.

The Miracle (32-24) remained tied for first place.

Miracle starter Colby Miller was battered around for 1 2/3 innings. In the first, he walked leadoff man Sam Fuld and with one out gave up a single to Aron Weston. Matt Craig followed with a two-run triple and Jake Fox belted a two-run homer over the left-center field wall, his 12th of the season, to make it 4-0.

In the second, Miller walked Jemel Spearman with one out. Weston then reached when second baseman Matt Tolbert's throw to first was dropped by Kyle Geiger. It turned out to be costly as Craig roped a two-run double and, with two outs, Ryan Harvey smacked a two-run homer, his sixth of the season, to make it 8-0. Miller went 1 2/3 innings, allowing eight runs (five earned) on six hits while walking three and striking out one.

The Miracle attempted a comeback. In the third, Brock Peterson singled with two outs. Tolbert followed with an RBI double to make it 8-1. Tolbert finished the night 3-5, with two doubles and the RBI.

In the fourth, Trevor Plouffe and Deacon Burns started the inning with back-to-back singles. They moved up on a ground out by Korey Feiner, and Plouffe scored on Alexi Casilla's sacrifice fly. Garrett Guzman then crushed a two-run homer over the right-field wall, his seventh of the season and second in three games, to make it 8-4.

The Miracle sent the tying run to the plate in the sixth. With one out, Feiner and Casilla had back-to-back singles. With two outs, Geiger was hit by a pitch. Peterson then drove a ball to the warning track in right, but Harvey caught it to end the inning.

Miracle reliever Jose Mijares kept his team in the game by going 5 2/3 shutout innings of relief, with seven strikeouts.

The Miracle will return home to take on the Tampa Yankees in a three-game series beginning at 7:05 tonight. Fort Myers will start right-hander Anthony Swarzak (3-3, 4.25 ERA).

UPCOMING GAMES

Today (7:05 p.m.), Tuesday (6:05) and Wednesday (7:05): Host Tampa Yankees

Thursday (7), Friday (7) and Saturday (6): At Lakeland Tigers

Sunday (1:05): At Clearwater Threshers