A PRISM contribution; written by Jason Roberts
All photos original work by and property of Jason Roberts
Additional images are available by contacting jason@prismfreelantz.org
The first place team in the FSL South showed Monday night why it’s gotten off to such a strong start this season (14-9 heading into last night’s contests against the Reds), with the Fort Myers Miracle, led by the hot bat of catcher Danny Lehman, lighting up the scoreboard at Ed Smith Stadium and pulling out an 8-6 victory over the Sarasota Reds.
The Reds made things interesting late, however. Trailing by five runs in the bottom of the ninth, right fielder Dens Phipps doubled a line drive into left field and brought home both first baseman Yonder Alonso and second baseman Alex Bucholz. Catcher Devin Mersoraco then singled on a fly ball, again to left field, which allowed third baseman Neftali Soto to score yet another run from third base.
Soto’s trip to home plate brought the Reds within two runs of tying the game at eight all, and, thanks to a single on a bunt by left fielder Daniel Perales, found the bases loaded with no outs. Fort Myers’ relief pitcher, Blair Erickson, was brought in immediately after Perales got on base to replace Spencer Steedly, and, facing Sarasota pinch hitter Jason Louwsma, center fielder Justin Reed, and designated hitter Carson Kainer, earned a save with two strikeouts and a line out by Reed to Miracle shortstop Chris Cates.
Jerry Gil, right-hander for the Reds, gave up nine hits and five runs over the span of six innings Monday night, while striking out four Miracle batters. He now holds a 0-5 record as a starter.
Meanwhile, Michael McCardell of Fort Myers earned his third W on the year by pitching a comparable six innings; for the night, he allowed six hits and three runs, while earning seven total strikeouts.
Following Monday’s victory, Fort Myers remains a game ahead of the Charlotte Stone Crabs at 15-3, while Sarasota sits seven games back from the Miracle with a record of 8-16.
