Span spurs Miracle to 7-5 victory

By SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-PRESS

Denard Span had three hits and three RBI to lead the Fort Myers Miracle past the St. Lucie Mets 7-5 on Thursday at Hammond Stadium.

The Miracle broke open a 5-5 game in the seventh inning when Span singled home Matt Tolbert.

The Miracle added an insurance run in the eighth inning when Brock Peterson led off with a walk and scored on a double by Kyle Geiger. The umpire initially ruled Peterson out, but reversed the call immediately and called him safe. Mets manager Tim Teufel and pitcher Kole Strayhorn were both tossed for arguing.

The Miracle bullpen of Tristan Crawford and Chris Schutt combined to throw the final 4 2/3 shutout innings, allowing one hit while walking one and striking out seven. Crawford got the win and Schutt the save.

The same two teams play at 7:05 tonight. The Miracle will send RHP Adam Harben (2-3, 3.38) to the hill against Mets RHP Philip Humber (0-3, 3.04). Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins will play in a charity softball game beginning at 4 p.m. at Hammond Stadium. Gates open at 3:30 p.m.