Miracle now 2nd after 2nd straight loss
The Fort Myers Miracle slipped out of first place in the Florida State League’s South Division standings after Monday’s 3-2 loss to the Clearwater Threshers at Hammond Stadium.
Heading into Wednesday’s start of a four-game series at Brevard County, the second-place Miracle (12-7, 50-39) are one game behind the Palm Beach Cardinals (13-6) and one game ahead of Bradenton and St. Lucie. The first-half division champ Charlotte Stone Crabs (7-12) stand fifth in the six-team group.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Miracle, who enjoyed an off day Tuesday, had not named a starting pitcher for Wednesday’s opener against the Manatees (7-11).
Clearwater handed the Miracle their second straight defeat Monday night with a run in the top of the ninth inning.
Venturing into the ninth for the second time this season in a 2-2 tie game, Miracle starter Aaron Slegers had retired 10 in a row before Andrew Pullin reached second on a one-out error by Tanner Vavra. Pullin chopped a ball past the mound, Vavra charged but his high throw glanced off Michael Quesada’s glove at first base and rolled down the right field line.
After Slegers (6-5) walked Aaron Brown Miracle manager Jeff Smith brought in Corey Williams to face Chace Numata, who hit into a force play at second for the second out. With runners on the corners, Smith dipped into the bullpen for a second time for Dallas Gallant. On the first pitch, Willians Astudillo poked a slider into right for an RBI single and a 3-2 Clearwater lead.
Ulises Joaquin came out of the Threshers pen to close out the game, allowing a two-out single to Ryan Walker and got Jason Kanzler to fly out to right field to nail down his 11th save and second of the series.
Slegers threw 8 1/3 innings and gave up three runs, two earned, on four hits with one walk and one strikeout.