Miracle blow lead, still win

By Special to the Naples Daily News

FORT MYERS — After surrendering four unearned runs in the top of the eighth allowing the Sarasota Reds to take a 5-4 lead, the Fort Myers Miracle responded with two in the bottom of ninth for a 6-5 win Friday afternoon.

Edward Ovalle hit a walk-off single to center, sending the crowd of 3,233 home happy as the Miracle improved to 2-0 in the second half.

Luis Ugueto led off the Miracle ninth with a pinch-hit double to right. Steve Tolleson followed with a sacrifice bunt that Reds reliever Derrik Lutz threw away, allowing Ugueto to score, tying the ballgame at 5-5. After a passed ball and a ground out moved Tolleson to third, Ovalle lined a 1-0 fastball back up the middle scoring Tolleson with the game-winner.

Two Miracle errors in the eighth gave Sarasota’s four-runs and the lead.

The Miracle head out on a four-game road trip beginning tonight with the Palm Beach Cardinals. First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m.