Cardinals edge Fort Myers Miracle

By Special to the Fort Myers News-Press

JUPITER — A game-tying, two-run blast in the bottom of the ninth inning by Ian Church, followed by Brandon Buckman's sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 10th allowed the Palm Beach Cardinals to steal a 4-3 win from the Fort Myers Miracle on Sunday afternoon.

Trailing 3-1 entering the ninth, Buckman led off with a single before Church's second two-run shot in as many nights sent the game to extra innings.

After a John Jay one-out single, followed by a single by Allen Craig, Buckman lifted a deep fly ball to right that scored Jay with the game-winner in the Florida State League game.

Miracle starter Yohan Pino worked seven strong innings, allowing one run on five hits, with six strikeouts, in the no-decision.

Game three of the four-game series will be tonight.

The Miracle will send right-handed pitcher Zach Ward (2-9, 3.05 ERA) to the hill to start the game.