Miracle claim two from Cardinals
The Fort Myers Miracle pulled away late from the Palm Beach Cardinals in a 5-1 win at Hammond Stadium Saturday night.
The Cardinals struck first in the second inning. Collin Radack tripled on an 0-1 pitch from Miracle starter Ryan Eades into right-center field. Luke Voit then sent a deep drive to center. Jason Kanzler made the catch, but Radack scored on the sacrifice fly.
In the fourth, the Miracle tied the game. Aderling Mejia led off with a walk from Cardinals starter Nick Petree. Mejia then advanced to second when Mitch Garver coaxed a base on balls. With Logan Wade at the plate, Petree (4-3) threw a wild pitch and Mejia raced to third. Wade then lifted a deep fly ball to right-center. Mason Katz made a running catch, but Mejia crossed home to tie the game 1-1.
Eades went 4 2/3 innings on the mound before exiting with an injury. In a no decision, Eades allowed one run on two hits with five walks and two strikeouts.
The Miracle took the lead in the bottom of the sixth on Garver’s double. Mejia worked a walk from Petree to lead off. Garver then stroked a 1-2 pitch into the left field corner. Mejia scored from first and put the Miracle up 2-1.
Padding the lead in the seventh, the Miracle plated three runs with two outs. After Cardinals reliever Trey Nielsen struck out Michael Quesada, Chad Christensen hit a high pop to the catcher. Carson Kelly failed to bring the ball in and Christensen hustled to second base. Engelb Vielma then worked a walk from Nielsen. Ryan Walker was retired on a ground ball to first base, but both Christensen and Vielma moved into scoring position. Mejia then sliced a 2-2 pitch down the left field line and two runs crossed home. Garver followed with a two-out RBI single through the left side to push the Miracle lead 5-1.
Combined between three relievers, the Miracle bullpen did not allow a hit over the final 4 1/2 innings. Brian Gilbert picked up the win and tossed 1 1/3 innings without giving up a run. Gilbert (4-3) walked one and faced just one over the minimum.
Tyler Jay entered for the seventh and tossed a perfect frame with two punchouts. Trevor Hildenberger closed out the game for the Miracle. Over two innings, Hildenberger retired all six hitters faced and tallied four strikeouts.
The Miracle (64-55, 26-23) visit Charlotte Sunday afternoon to stare a split four-game set with the Stone Crabs.