Miracle fall 2-1 at Charlotte
- PORT CHARLOTTE – The Fort Myers Miracle saw their three-game shutout streak against Charlotte come to an end Saturday as the Stone Crabs scored single runs in the second and fourth innings en route to a 2-1 victory.
The Miracle pitching staff had recorded 32 straight scoreless innings against Charlotte, dating back to the 6th inning of the April 22 game in Fort Myers. That streak was extended to 33 with a scoreless first inning by Fort Myers starter Felix Jorge, but the Stone Crabs broke through in the second frame.
Nick Ciuffo and Cristian Toribio singled to start the inning followed by a wild pitch. Thomas Milone reached on a fielder’s choice ground ball, scoring Ciuffo from third with the game’s first run.
The Miracle tied the score in the top of the fourth on Alex Real’s home run to left-center field. The blast, Real’s first of the season, gives Fort Myers a home run in four consecutive games.
The Stone Crabs wasted little time in regaining the lead, as Grant Kay answered with a home run of his own to give his team a 2-1 advantage.
Charlotte’s pitching staff took over, retiring the final 15 Miracle hitters in order to preserve the victory.
Benton Moss (1-1) went seven innings, striking out seven without allowing a walk, to earn the win for the Stone Crabs. Kyle Bird struck out five over the final two innings for his second save.
Jorge (1-2) took the loss despite allowing five hits and two runs while walking just one and striking out three.
The Miracle (13-10) face the Stone Crabs (11-12) in the final game of this three-game series on Sunday.