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Stars & Stripes

Tue, 13 May 2008 11:45:29 GMT

Doing the flag on these lay outs turned out not to be the hard part. The blue paper is from the Australian Day Kit. The white ribbon is from the Starbound kit (although it says something like "let freedom ring" in red down the middle of it), and the red ribbon is from the Canadian kit from Scrap Girls. No...even getting the red and white to line up on an angel was relative easy.

The hard part was finding the seven pointed stars. The Aussie Day kit, which was a freebie from Lindsay Jane Designs came with a five pointed star.

What? They started out with five commonwealths and added a couple later. New south Whales and Queensland just dropped down out of the sky one day?

In any case, I did manage to find - and gif - a necklace which worked pretty well. Now I know why people become designers. It's because they can't find the elements they want and have to make their own.

So I made the comment to James when he signed his shot for me that the seven pointed stars had been the hardest part of whole layout and of course one told the other and next thing you know they're sitting behind me on the bench...

"I really don't see why you NEED seven commonwealths anyway," I finally say. "I mean, New South Wales? What do we need New South Wales for?"

"Wait a minute," Jarred wails. "I'm from New South Wales!"

Exactly my point.

Tell me why I don't like Mondays

Tue, 13 May 2008 07:03:56 GMT

Fort Myers 2 at Sarasota 7

Record 23 - 14

W: A. Smit (3-3, 4.58); L: J. Manship (4-1, 4.19)
HR: None.

In a recent article in the New Britain Herald, Rick Knapp, the Twins director of minor league pitching is quoted as saying “If (Jeff Manship) pitches a full season in Fort Myers, that will be fine with me."

Evidently, it will be fine with Mr. Manship as well, give his performance Monday night against the Sarasota Reds. The Miracle starter gave up six runs, earned, on 10 hits and 2 walks while striking out 8 over 4 innings. It would be Manship's first loss of the season, and also halt the Miracle win streak at five.

Meanwhile, former Miracle pitcher Alexander Smit threw some very stingy shots at the Miracle, allowing only 3 hits and 2 walks over six inning. He also struck out 8 men. But the telling difference his that only 1 runner crossed the plate for the Miracle during his tenure on the mound.

The Reds would get to Manship first, with Michael DeJesus singling his way onto the bags, then moving to first on a wild pitch. Justin Turner would strike out swinging, but a Todd Frazier line drive to left was enough to drive in DeJesus for the first Reds run..

Fort Myers would take it back in the top of the 4th, when Danny Valencia tripled, then - following a line out to Johnny Woodard - came home on an Edward Ovalle sac fly.

But the bottom of the fourth would prove to be the undoing of Manship. Chris Heisey doubled out to left. Danny Dorn ground out, but Heisey moved to 3rd on the play. A Chris Denove single ground in Heisey. Jose Castro then singled to keep things going followed by a DeJesus triple to drive in two. And no, before you ask, Mr. DeJesus did not manage to hit for the cycle. Didn't even come close.

Justin Turner hit a like drive to plate DeJesus, and Todd Frazier would be hit by a pitch before Juan Francisco's line drive brought in Turner for run number five in the inning, making the score 6-1 Reds.

Frank Mata, recently activated off the Disabled List in Extended Spring Training came in for one inning, allowing 1 walk and striking out 1 before Matt Fox came in to conclude the game. Fox would not get off easy though, as Franscisco hit a single off him in the bottom of the sixth, and Drew Stubbs sent a triple out to left to bring him in, making it 7-1 Reds.

Wilson Ramos would reach on a throwing error by Reds 3rd baseman Todd Frazier, who tossed the ball into the dugout, giving Ramos an extra base as well. Rocky Palacios would strike out and Danny Santiesteban's fly out put Ramos on 3rd. Yancarlos Ortiz drew a walk before Brian Dinkleman's double brought in Ramos for a post script.

Ramos, Palacios and Ortiz had the other three hits for Fort Myers, who only managed five on the night.

Deolis Guerra (3-1, 4.32) will handle the pitching chores Tuesday as the two teams meet at Ed Smith Stadium for a rematch. Rafael Gonzalez (2-1, 3.45) will throw for the tough Sarasota squad.

Boxscore
Log
Miracle
News Press
Breeze
NDN

Lefty Errol Simonitsch was here for only a very short time, being promoted to New Britain to replace Danny Graves on their roster. Graves was promoted to AAA Rochester. Simonitsch is expected to work out of the bullpen in New Britian, at least for a while.

Despite the loss, the Miracle remain in first place in the West Division as Tampa also lost Monday night to the Flying Tigers.

New Britain 4 at New Hampshire 11

W: S. Richmond (3-4, 5.86); L: A. Swarzak (2-1, 3.96); SV: M. Gallo (3)
HR: NHM: T. Snider (4), K. Phillips (1).

The Miracle weren't the only team suffering a power outage. Anthony Swarzak gave up 3 runs on 5 hits and 4 walks while striking out 3 over 4 innings to take his first loss of the year for the Rock Cats. Two of the runs were unearned, thanks to shortstop Trevor Plouffe and catcher Drew Butera.

Felix Molina was 3-for-4 at the plate in the game with 1 run and 1 RBI. Dustin Martin and Erik Lis were both 2-for-4, Lis with a run as well, and Martin with a run scored.

Former Miracle Kyle Phillips was 2-for-4 with 2 runs and 1 RBI, including a solo shot home run, his first of the season, for the home town Fisher Cats.

Boxscore
Log
Fisher Cats
Union Leader

Former Miracle Steve Tolleson was named the Eastern League player of the week. Tolleson batted .391 (9-for-23) with a double, triple, 2 homers, 10 RBIs, two stolen bases and a .783 slugging percentage to win the honor.

Tolleson, 24, had at least one hit in each of the games he played last week and scored in five of the six. He has reached base in New Britain’s last 11 games and in 24 of his 29 games this season. (NB Herald) Neither Tolleson nor Eastern League player of the month Luke Hughes appeared in Monday's contest.

Clinton 6 at Beloit 5

W: K. Gomez (6-0, 2.31); L: S. Arias (1-1, 2.81); SV: D. Sattler (2)
HR: CLI: J. Greene (4). BEL: R. Santana (3).

The Beloit snappers could not overcome an early Clinton lead, following 6-5 in their first game home following a long 3-city, 10-game road trip. The loss was Santos Arias first since his promotion to Beloit.

Arias allowed 3 runs, earned, on 7 hits and 1 walks while striking out 6.

Right fielder Joe Benson was 2-for-4 in the game with a double and a run, but also struck out twice. Ben Revere went 0-for-3 at the plate, but took two walks, coming in for one run during the course of the contest.

Ramon Santana hit a solo-shot home run in the 7th inning off Clinton's Fabio Castillo.

Charles Nolte allowed 3 runs on 5 hits and 1 walk while striking out 1 in 1.1 innings to the Rangers farm team, while 7'1" reliever Luke Van Mil finished up on the mound allowing only 1 hit and striking out only 1 in 2.2 innings.

Game two of the 4-game series is set for Tuesday at Pohlman Field, first pitch is 6:30 central time.

Boxscore
Log
Beloit
Lumber Kings

Buffalo 1 at Rochester 5

W: J. DePaula (1-0, 2.70); L: J. Harris (1-1, 4.85); SV: T. Lahey (4)
HR: ROC: C. Basak (3), D. Span (1).

For once it was the Red Wings who offered some offensive relief in the Twins Minor League system, as they overcame Buffalo, 5-1.

Jose Morales was 3-for-4 at the plate with a triple; Denard Span was 3-for-5 with a double, a home run and 2 runs scored. Howie Clark was 2-for-4 at the plate with a run, while Darren McDonald was 2-for-5 with a run and a run scored.

Former Miracle Julio DePaula picked up the win, working 2 innings and striking out 2. Danny Graves made his first start of the season, allowing 2 hits and striking out 2 over four innings.

Tim Lahey recorded his fourth save of the season at the Triple-A level, working 2 innings and allowing only 1 hit while striking out 5.

Rochester remains at home, hosting the Columbus Clippers in a four-game series starting Tuesday night at 7:05 PM.

Boxscore
Log
Red Wings
D&C
R-News
B-News
Bisons

Homestand Happenings

The Miracle take a break from the field, on Friday night and tee it up at Castle Golf for the 3rd annual Mini-Golf Tournament. The unique event includes a Miracle player in each foursome. A post-event “19th Hole” awards ceremony is included in registration fee.

Fort Myers tops St. Lucie late, heads for Sara

Sun, 11 May 2008 20:02:33 GMT

Fort Myers 7 at St. Lucie 5

W: R. Delaney (1-2, 0.48); L: C. Hoorelbeke (0-1, 7.71); SV: A. Slama (6)
HR: None.

A miraculous late inning comeback saw the Fort Myers Miracle sweep their series against the St. Lucie Mets. The Miracle now travel to Sarasota for a 3-game home-and-home series against the Reds.

The Miracle got on the board early with Juan Portes singling in the second inning, then stealing 2nd. A fielding error by Mets 3rd baseman J.R. Voyles allowed Portes to score and Danny Berg to reach base. Berg would be left stranded but the one run seemed an omen of good things to come.

And indeed, things were humming along quite well until the bottom of the third inning. With two outs on the board, Luis Rivera, Lucas Duda, D.J. Wabick and Josh Peterson all hit singles off Cole Devries to drive in one run. Josh Thole then doubled down the left field line to clear the bases, giving the Mets a three run lead.

Yancarlos Ortiz tripled in the top of the fifth, then came home on a Brian Dinkelman single to cut the lead in half.

Duda would double in the in 5th, then move to 3rd on Peterson's ground out. Following a walk to Thole, Reben Tejada sent a ground ball to left that scored Duda to restore the Mets three run lead.

Cole would get out of the inning but not return, his final line being 5 runs, earned on 10 hits and 3 walks while striking out one. Perhaps he was thinking of his mom's home cooking, as this was not one of his better performances.

Tobi Stoner would work six for the Mets, allowing 2 runs, 1 earned, on 5 hits and one walk while striking out 5. Ryan Coultas would head to the mound for the top of the seventh. With 2 outs on the board, Allan de San Miguel surprised everyone with a single. Ortiz followed him onto the bags on a grounder. The Mets would put Edgar Alfonzo on the mound to try for the 3rd out, but Dinkelman send a ground ball to second that scored the Miracle's Aussie catcher, helped in part by Rivera's throwing error on the play.

Jose Lugo would keep the Mets off the board in the six, and Rob Delaney took over for the seventh and 8th innings.

Casey Hoorelbeke replaced Alfonzo in for the top of the 8th, and gave up a single to Danny Valencia. Whit Robbins would hit into a double play though, so it was Juan Portes, with a double, who would come home on Ramos single. St. Lucie's dwindled down to just one run, and they would of course get nothing from the Miracle's Sandman.

Johnny Woodard would strike out for de San Miguel in the 9th - something I'm sure Dirty could have handled on his own - and Eddie Ovalle would fly out for Yancarlos Ortiz before Dinkelman gave the Miracle a glimmer of hope with a single out to center. Rene Tosoni then following him on to base, hitting a grounder out to right. Danny Valencia doubled to tie up the game and bring in the game winning run. A missed catch by Josh Thole at the plate sent Valencia over for the insurance run. Brandon Niall would get Whit Robbins out on strikes to retire the Miracle, but Anthony Slama went three-up, three-down, slamming the door on St. Lucie and sending the Miracle out of town on the victory bus.

Valencia was 4-for-5 with 1 run and 1 RBI and he also sends his love home to his Mom and dedicated his performance today to her. Happy Mother's Day Mrs. Valencia!

Dinkelman was 3-for-5, also with a run and an RBI. Portes was 2-for-4 with 2 runs and Oritz was 2-for-3 with a run.

with the win, the Miracle are now in first place, one game over the Tampa Yankees who come into town on Thursday for a three game set.

The Miracle return home on Wednesday against the Sarasota Reds who are in 3rd place in the division, three games back for "Island Night".

Jeff Manship (4-0, 3.23) will be on the mound tomorrow night at Ed Smith Stadium against former Miracle Alexander Smit (2-3, 5.17) for the 7:00 match up with the Reds.

Boxscore
Log
Miracle
News Press
Breeze
NDN
TC Palm

Homestand Happenings

Wake up early on Friday, May 16 and head to the stadium for a special “Education Day” start time of 10:35 a.m. Thousands of kids from Southwest Florida schools take this one-of-a-kind field trip. Kids learn about math, social studies and language arts and how it relates to baseball.

Beloit at Burlington

Sunday’s game between the Beloit Snappers and Burlington Bees was postponed due to rain. The game will now be made up in Beloit at Pohlman Field on Saturday, May 24th as part of a doubleheader beginning at 5:00 PM.

New Britain 7 at New Hampshire 4

W: R. Mullins (3-2, 3.25); L: A. Wideman (1-5, 7.36)
HR: NBR: S. Tolleson (4). NHM: A. Hatch (5).

New Britain took an early three run lead and managed to keep it, downing the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, 7-4 at Merchants Auto Stadium.

Toby Gardenhire's double led off the New Britain attack in the 3rd. Felix Molina drew a walk to get on base. Both would come home when Steve Tolleson smacked his 4th home run of the season over the left field wall.

Aaron Mathews doubled for the Fisher Cats in the bottom of the same inning and came home on Chris Gutierrez line drive to put New Hampshire on the board. The Cats took it back in the top of the next inning however, when David Winfree doubled, moved to 3rd on an Erik Lis single and scored on a Molina force out.

Ryan Patterson singled in the bottom of the fourth, and Anthony Hatch hit his fifth home run of the season to give the Fisher Cats two more.

Former Miracle lefty Ryan Mullins would work six inning allowing the 3 runs, earned, on six hits and 2 walks while striking out 2. A.J. Wideman would only make it through 5.1 innings, as New Britian turned on the offense again in the sixth inning.

Felix Molina would double before the pitching change that put Sean Stidtole on mound for the Fisher Cats. Jeff Christy then doubled to drive in Molina while Tolleson's line drive out to left brought in Christy. Dustin Martin would strike out swinging, but Brock Peterson reached on a fielding error by shortstop Ryan Klosterman allowing Tolleson to score.

Tolleson was 2-for-5 on the game with 2 runs and 4 RBIs. Winfree was 2-for-4 at the plate with a run.

The two teams rematch tomorrow with a 6:35 start.

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Log
Fisher Cats
Rock Cats
NB Herald
Courant
Union Leader

Buffalo 4 at Rochester 2

W: M. Ginter (1-4, 6.48); L: P. Humber (1-4, 5.29); SV: R. Bauer (8)
HR: None.

Phillip Humber suffered his fourth loss of the season and the Wings continued to find ways to miss the ball. Garrett Jones was 2-for-4 in the designated hitter role, but the slugger is only .175 on the season. Howie Clark was 2-for-3 with a walk, a double and an RBI.

Denard Span took a walk in the bottom of the first, then moved to 3rd on a Darnell McDonald single. Brian Buscher's line drive would bring in Span to give the Wings one, but Buffalo took back 2 in the top of the 2nd.

Doubles by Jones and Clark got them one more in the bottom of the second, but they would get little else off Matt Glinter or the three relievers that followed him.

The last game of the four game series is Monday night at 7:05 at Frontier Field.

The Red Wings wore special pink jerseys as part of Breast cancer Awareness Day. The jerseys were auctioned off and raised over $3,400 for the Pluta Cancer Center. Tommy Watkins' number 8 jersey and Julia DePaula's number 35 each brought in $200, the top money raisers for the day.

Red Wings starting pitchers have just six wins in the first 38 games of the 2008 season (6-17 record).

Boxscore
Log
Bison
Bisons
D&C
D&C - Humber
R-News
B-News

Former Miracle Nick Blackburn starts for the Twins against the Red Sox Sunday night, with the game shown live on ESPN.

Infielder Alexi Casilla, another former Miracle, became the fifth member of the Red Wings' Opening Day roster to be promoted to the Minnesota Twins. Overall, seven different players have played for both Rochester and Minnesota this season.

Class A Beloit outfielder Ben Revere is the Twins' Minor League Player of the Week for the week ending May 9. Revere hit .481 (13-for-27) and five steals in six games.

Miracle crush Mets, 11-3

Sun, 11 May 2008 10:37:21 GMT

Fort Myers 11 at St. Lucie 3

W: T. Robertson (1-2, 3.47); L: E. Niesen (0-4, 6.28)
HR: FTM: W. Ramos (3), J. Portes (2).

In what I consider a long overdue event, Tyler Robertson picked up his first win of the season for the Fort Myers Miracle, who crushed the St. Lucie Mets 11 - 3.

Robertson limited the Mets to 1 run on six hits and three walks while striking out 7 over six innings, looking more like the pitcher that helped take Beloit deep into the Midwest League playoffs.

He was helped out by a lot of Miracle offense starting in the first inning. Brian Dinkelman would be hit by a pitch and Juan Portes got the fireworks going, homering over the center field wall to two runs. Danny Valencia singled but tried to stretch it for a double, being taken out at second base. Johnny Woodard would get hit next by St. Lucie's Eric Niesen, who lated only 1.2 innings in the start. After Eddie Ovalle was taken out on strikes, Wilson Ramos went yard for his 3rd of the season, giving the Miracle another two runs for a 4-0 lead.

Dinkelman next used a fielding error by third baseman Leivi Ventura to get on the bags with one out in the second inning. Portes would strike out swinging. Dinkelman would steal 2nd, then advanced to 3rd on a throwing error by Mets catcher Jason Jacobs. Valencia then hit a fly ball to left to plate Dinkelman. With Woodard at the plate Neison would be charged with a balk which sent Valencia to second. Woodard then singled to bring in Valencia, earning himself a ham sandwich.

That finally prompted a pitching change as the Mets brought in Tim Stronach to replace Niesen, who was evidently having a very bad day on the mound.

D.J. Wabick would single in the bottom of the second, and Ventura doubled to put runners in the corners. Robertson would get the next two batters he faced out, one on strikes, before issuing a walk to Joshua Petersen to load the bags. Ezequiel Carrera then singled which brought in Wabick. Ventura would try to run for the plate, but was taken out at home as Danny Santiesteban fired a ball back from center to Ramos at the plate.

Stronach would work four scoreless innings for St. Lucie. With one out on the board. Valencia and Woodard hit back-to-back singles. St. Lucie would replace the tiring Stronach with John Wesley, who hit Ovalle with a pitch to load the bags. Ramos hit a sacrifice fly to right to bring in Valencia. Danny Berg then singled out bring in Woodard. A throwing error by 2nd baseman Luis Rivera helped move the pair over. Rocky Palacios singled out to right to bring in two more. A passed ball by Jacobs moved Palacios to second and Santiesteban would then hit a ground rule double to bring in the final runner, giving the Miracle a total of 11.

While it was not impossible for the Mets to rally back from that deep a hole, certainly we've watched the Miracle bullpen give up that kind of a lead before, it would be beyond the St. Lucie's capabilities.

Danny Hernandez has struggled and there is some speculation that because he is still not 100% and only played 7 games last season at the Low A level, that he is playing beyond his current ability in High A. His ERA of 11.81 certainly bears that out, but he would get through two innings Saturday evening, only allowing one walk. That came after he allowed a single to Ruben Tejada. Jomar Hill would take the free pass, and Josh Peterson then singled to load the bags on the Twins young reliever. Ezequiel Carrera would hit a sac-fly out to right to bring in Tejada, and Luis Rivera then sacrificed in Hill, for two more St. Lucie runs.

Danny Vais came in to shut the door, striking out 1 in the final inning.

Valencia was 3-for-5 at the plate with 2 runs and 1 BRI, Woodard was 2-for-3 with a walk, 2 runs and 1 RBI, Berg ws 2-for-4 with 1 run and 1 RBI, and Santiesteban was 2-for-4 with 1 RBI.

The two teams rematch on Sunday with right hander Cole Devries looking to give the Miracle a sweep of the series while Tobi Stoner (1-2, 3.14) will try to prevent that from happening. First pitch is set for 1:00 PM, a change from their normal 5:00 PM start which as made on Wednesday. (Press Release)

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Log
Miracle
News Press
NDN
TC Palm

Homestand Happenings

The world’s sexiest plumber stops by Hammond Stadium on Thursday, May 15. "Desperate Housewives' actor James Denton will put down his plunger and pick up a bat. Denton will take batting practice with the Miracle, sign autographs and throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the 7:05 p.m. Thirsty Thursday game against the Tampa Yankees.

If you happen to thing that promotion is as much of a dog as we at MiracleFans.com do, well, don't worry. It's also Dog Daze I, time to bring your best friend to the park for a bark. A special celebri-cat guest appearance by Reptar, Fort Myers own baseball lovin' cat, is also planned. So come on out with your trusty canine friend because - well - very bitch deserves a night out!

Beloit's five runs win fifth straight

Sun, 11 May 2008 09:08:14 GMT

Beloit 5 at Burlington 4

W: B. Kirwan (3-1, 3.79); L: M. Mitchell (0-3, 3.96); SV: S. Hirschfeld (1)
HR: BUR: S. Hayes (1).

Brian Kirwan picked up his third win of the season as the Beloit Snappers continued to win over the Burlington Bees, 5-4.

Ben Revere tripled for the Snappers to start out the game, then came home on a Chris Cates sac fly to give Beloit an early lead. They would extended it in the second when Steve Singleton's line drive got him on base. One out later, a walk to Greg Yersich moved him to second. A passed ball by Bees catcher Todd Balduf moved them to 3rd and a Ramon Santana walk loaded the bags. Revere would reach on a fielding error by Burlington shortstop Mike Moustakas which also brought Singleton across the plate.

The Bees however tied it up in the bottom of the 3rd. Back-to-back doubles by Balduf and David Lough were negated when Balduf was taken out at home. Wilson Tucker would single however before Moustakas doubled, bringing in the pair for two runs.

Beloit would take the runs back in the top of the 5th. Cates singled his way onto base then moved over on Garrett Olson's sac-bunt. Chris Parmelee walked, but Mark Dolenc ground into a force out that nabbed him at at second while brining in Olson. Dolenc got caught stealing and Singleton flew out to end the inning.

Joe Benson tripled in the top of the sixth. Yersich drew a walk and Santana lined out before Revere's force out would bring Benson in.

Moutakas singled off Kirwan in the bottom of the 6th, and Shawn Hayes took him deep over the left field fence for a two-run home run. Blair Erickson would replace Kirwan with one out and 2 runners on base, and would shut the door on the Bees.

Singleton was 3-for-4 in the game with a run. He was the only Snapper with a multi-hit game. Yersich would go 1-for-2 at the plate with 2 walks as was Sanatana at the bottom of the order.

Kirwin was charged with 4 runs, earned, on 9 hits and one walk while striking out 2 over 5.1 innings. Erikson worked 1.2 innings, striking out 4. Steve Hirschfield picked up his first save of the season, holding the Bees to only one hit while striking out 3 over two innings.

Burlington's Alex Caldera (2-2. 3.31) will get the start one Mother's day against Beloit's Santos Arias (1-0, 1.64). First pitch is 2:00 PM Eastern Time.

Boxscore
Log
Snappers
Singleton Hawk Eye

Liriano, Wings snap skid

Sun, 11 May 2008 04:16:46 GMT

Buffalo 2 at Rochester 3

W: R. Barrett (2-2, 2.53); L: B. Buzachero (1-2, 4.91); SV: D. Graves (1)
HR: ROC: R. Ruiz (2).

The Rochester Red wins finally snapped their losing skid, rallying past the Buffalo Bisons to win 3-2 in front of a home town crowd at Frontier Field.

The Wings got on the board first, in the bottom of the second inning, courtesy of Randy Ruiz's second home run of the season.

Buffalo would get to Francisco Liriano in the fifth when former Twins farm hand Jason Tyner singled on a bunt, then advanced to 2nd when Liriano thew the ball into the first base dugout. Wyatt Toregas doubled out to left to score Tyner. Following a Josh Barfield fly out, Danny Sandoval would drive Toregas in with a ground ball to center. Sandoval would make things interesting by stealing 2nd and progressing to 3rd on a wild pitch by Liriano, but Michael Aubrey ground out to end the inning before further damage could be done.

Liriano would give up the 2 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 5 over six innings for a quality start. I don't think he's ready for Minny quite yet, but he's getting closer.

Darnell McDonald drew a walk in the bottom of the sixth, then moved to 3rd on Brian Buscher's line drive single to Bronson Sardinha in right. Ruiz would then sacrifice McDonald in to tie up the game.

With Bubbie Buzachero on the hill for the Cleveland farm in the bottom of the 7th, Jose Morales singled his way onto the bags. Howie Clark then tripled him in. Clark would try to go home on the play, but was take out at the plate. Still it was a good piece of work for the game winning run. Despite a Denard Span double one out later, the Wings couldn't find the insurance marker, but the Rochester bull pen did the trick.

Ricky Barnett picked up his 2nd win of the season, allowing only 1 hit and striking out 1 over 2 innings. Newly promoted closer Danny Graves picked up his first save at the Triple-A level, blanking the Bisons over the ninth inning.

Morales was 2-for-3 with a run, Buscher was 2-for-4 with a double.

The teams rematch on Sunday at 1:35 for a Mother's Day Special including a post game "Catch with Mom" in the outfield. The first 1,000 kids 14 & under also score a free baseball from Basch & Nicerson.

The Wings will be wearing pink jerseys to raise awareness for Breast Canter with the proceeds of a silent auction for the game worn apparel going to benefit the Pluta Cancer Center.

Boxscore
Log
Red Wings
Bisons
R-News
B-News

Before the game, former Miracle infielder Alexi Casilla was told that he was called up to the Minnesota Twins and pulled from the lineup. Chris Basak replaced him.

Fort Myers native Tommy Watkins came up slowly in his second inning at-bat after he legged out an infield hit and dove for first. He stayed in the field but was replaced by Howie Clark for his next at-bat in the fifth inning because he jammed his left thumb and couldn't hold a bat.

Boston 5 at Minnesota 2

Speaking of Minny, former Miracle Glen Perkins allowed 3 runs (earned) on 9 hits while striking out 3 over six inning, but still suffered the loss as the Twins fell, 5-2 to the Red Sox.

Carlos Gomez drew a walk with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 2nd that forced in a run. Justin Morneau would single into center in the bottom of the fifth to plate Matt Tolbert.

Inspired by Kevin Slowey's performance earlier in the week, Perkins would allow back-to-back home runs to Cocoa Crisp and Jed Lowrie in the top of the 7th inning before being replaced by Dennys Reyes. Perkins allowed a solo shot home run in the bottom of the 2nd to Kevin Youkillis as well.

Boxscore
Log
Twins
PiPress
Strib

Rock Cats rally falls short

Sat, 10 May 2008 19:28:49 GMT

New Britain 3 at New Hampshire 5

W: J. Pinto (2-0, 6.00); L: Y. Pino (1-2, 3.25); SV: Z. Dials (3)
HR: NBR: D. Winfree (8). NHM: T. Snider (3).

Still without the services of Luke Hughes, the New Britain Rock Cats lost their 3rd straight, falling 5-3 to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

In the bottom of the 3rd inning, Josh Kreuzer would be hit by a Yohan Pino pitch. He then stole second and moved to 3rd on Anthony Hatch's ground out. A double by Ryan Klosterman brought him over the plate, while second double, this one to Scott Campbell plated Klosterman for a an early 2 run New Hampshire lead.

David Winfree went yard in the top of the 4th to cut the lead in half. Back-to-back singles to Hatch and Klosterman paid dividends 2 outs later when Travis Snider put a fly ball over the right field wall to give the Fisher Cats 3 more runs.

With one out on the board in the top of the 9th, Toby Gardenhire singled to start the Rock Cats rally. Felix Molina followed him onto base with a grounder and Drew Butera's single to right loaded the bags. Steve Tolleson singled to drive in Gardenhire, and Molina scored on a Dustin Martin force out. But Brock Peterson would strike out swinging, cutting the comeback short.

Gardenhire was 2-for-4 with a run, while Molina was 2-for-3, also with a run.

Pino was charged with all five runs (earned) on six hits and 1 walk while striking out 2 in 5.0 innings to pick up his second loss of the season.

The two teams rematch tomorrow at 1:05 PM at A.J. Wideman takes to the mound for the home team for a Mother's Day matinée. The Rock Cats will counter with southpaw Ryan Mullins (2-2, 3.05).

Boxscore
Log
Rock Cats
Fisher Cats

Miracle rally past Mets

Sat, 10 May 2008 05:13:09 GMT

Fort Myers 7 at St. Lucie 3

W: E. Simonitsch (1-0, 0.00); L: S. Clyne (0-2, 17.28)
HR: FTM: D. Berg (2).

The Fort Myers Miracle rallied past the St. Lucie Mets in the 9th inning to pick up game two of the four-game series, 7 to 4.

Whit Robbins lead off the late inning charge with a walk then moved to second on Danny Santiesteban's sac-bunt. Danny Valencia then doubled, and Brian Dinkelman was intentionally walked to load the bags. Rene Tosoni then tripled to bring in three. A Juan Portes single to left brought in Tosoni. Despite a double by Woodard and a walk by Danny Berg, the Miracle could not capitalize again and Wilson Ramos struck out and Whit Robbins popped out with the bases loaded to end the inning/

The Miracle got on the board first when Berg sent a ball over the left field wall for his second home run of the season.

Ramos would reach on a throwing error by J. Voyles in the top of the fifth inning and Robbins followed him onto the bags with a walk. A wild pitch by Mets' starter Nicholas Carr moved the pair. After a strike out to Santieseban, Yancarlos Ortiz singled to drive in Ramos, to give Fort Myers a 2 run lead.

With two outs in the bottom of the sixth, Miracle starter Alex Burnett would allow back-to-back singles to D.J. Wabick and Lucas Duda. A walk to Jason Jacobs loaded the bases. Josh Thole would double to drive in 3. Fort Myers field manger Jeff Smith lifted Barnett at that point, bringing in reliever Danny Vais.

The Miracle would tie the game in the 8th inning when Woodard singled, moved to second on Berg's ground out and came home on a Wilson Ramos single to center, setting the stage for the 9th inning heroics.

Errol Simonitsch, who was added to the roster on Thursday out of extended spring training picked up the win in relief.

Berg was 2-for-4 on the night with 1 run, and 1 RBI courtesy of the home run, Woodard as 2-for-5 with 1 run. Valencia was 2-for-2 with a run in relief of Ortiz, and got to play a bit of shortstop in the game as well.

Tyler Robertson (0-2, 3.86) will step on to the mound tomorrow for Fort Myers as the series continues at Tradition Field. The Mets will sent Eric Niesen (0-3, 5.33) to the hill for a 6:00 pm first pitch.

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Two former Miracle players were sent to Fort Myers from New Britain to rehab at the Lee County Sportsplex. Both were added to the extended spring training roster. Brandon Roberts, who played for the Miracle in 2006 will continue to rehab a left injury he sustained last month. David Shinskie, a reliever from last season, has been sent to to the sunshine state to work on some shoulder stiffness.

The Twins Extended Spring Training Squad will play at home on Saturday with a 12:30 PM start at the Lee County Sportsplex. They play Boston on Tuesday for a noon start. They will take Wednesday off then start a 3-game homestand, facing Cinci on Thursday, Pittsburgh on Friday and Baltimore on Saturday. Visit GCLTwins.com for additional information.

Beloit 3 at Burlington 0

W: D. Berlind (3-2, 3.54); L: E. Cegarra (1-3, 1.93); SV: S. Steedley (2)
HR: None.

Danny Berlind limited Burling to only 2 hits and 2 walks over seven innings while striking out 5, Friday night at the Beloit Snappers blanked the Burlington Bees, 3-0.

Chris Cates single in the 8th broke the eggs for the Snappers. Garrett Olson would single the speedster home for the 1st run of the game.

Steve Singleton's line drive in the top of the 9th got things starter. Joe Benson would draw a walk and Greg Yersich would hit a grounder to right to bring in Singleton. Ben Petsch's line drive would score Yersich, to give Beloit their 3rd run of the game.

Petsch had the only multi-hit game, going 2-for-4 at the plate with 1 RBI. Benson was the only player without a hit, going 0-for-3 at the plate with a walk.

The two teams rematch on Saturday with the first pitch slated for 6:30 PM central time.

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New Britain 11 at New Hampshire 12

W: J. Vermilyea (2-0, 3.45); L: A. Gabino (3-2, 2.61); SV: M. Gallo (2)
HR: NBR: D. Winfree 2 (7), D. Martin (2). NHM: R. Patterson (3).

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats out-slugged the New Britain Rock Cats 12 to 11 to pick up a home win in the first game of the three game series. Both teams pounded out 15 hits each.

The Fisher Cats shelled former Miracle Oswaldo Sosa for 5 runs on 7 hits and 4 walks while striking out 2 in just 4.0 innings. New Hampshire's Ricky Romero lasted a bit longer, going 6.1 innings but gave up 7 runs on 10 hits and 4 walks while striking out 4.

David Winfree was 2-for-5 at the plate with 2 runs and 4 RBIs. Both of his hits went yard, the first with 2 on in the 1st inning, the second in the 6th inning. Dustin Martin was 2-for-3 at the plate with 2 walks, 2 runs and 4 RBIs. He'd also find the fence, this time in the 8th inning.

Steve Tolleson was 2-for-4 with a walk, 2 runs, and 2 RBIs; Brock Peterson was 3-for-4 with a walk and a run. Trevor Plouffe was 2-for-5 with a run, but he also struck out twice. Erik Lis and Toby Gardenhire each recorded singles, Gardenthire with a walk and a run as well, and catcher Drew Butera when 2-for-4 at the bottom of the order with 2 runs and 1 RBI.

Only former first rounder Matt Moses went hitless, striking out twice during 5 at bats.

Former Miracle Kyle Phillips, currently a Toronto farm hand, went 4-for-4 with three runs scored for the Fisher Cats.

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Buffalo 4 at Rochester 3

W: R. Rundles (3-1, 4.80); L: T. Lahey (1-2, 5.06); SV: R. Bauer (7)
HR: None.

The light-hitting Rochester Red Wings managed to tie the game up in the 8th to the delight of the home town crowd at Frontier Field, but the Bisons found the game winning runs in extra innings.

Brad Snider doubled off Tim Lahey to drive in Jason Tyner for the game winning run.

Former Miracle Alexi Casilla got the rally started in the 8th with a single. Dennard Span would be called out on strikes, but Jason Pridie managed to reach on a force attempt when Buffalo 1st baseman Ryan Mulhern botched his throw. Darnell McDonald's single brought home Casilla and put runners at the corner. Brian Buscher would draw walk before Randy Ruiz would bring in Pridie with a line drive to right. Garrett Jones tied up the contest when he sacrificed in McDonald.

McDonald and Ruiz were both 2-for-5 in the contest, McDonald with a run and a RBI, Ruiz with just an RBI.

Former Miracle Brian Duensing allowed 2 Bison runs on 7 hits and 1 error while striking out 3 over six innings.

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RHP Danny Graves will be promoted to Rochester from Double-A New Britain on Saturday. Graves is 2-0 with a 3.60 ERA in seven games for the Rock Cats. Graves will take the roster spot of LHP Glen Perkins who will be promoted to the Minnesota on Saturday and start for the Twins vs. Boston. It will be Perkins' first Major League start. The Miracle will likely loose a reliever to New Britain to replace Graves. Closer Rob Delaney (0-2, 0.54, 8 Svs) is most likely going to get the promotion to Double A.

Homestand Happenings

Wednesday, May 14: “Islands Night” brings residents together to promote the history and lifestyle that is seen daily on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. The festivities, presented by Bailey’s General Store, include a pre-game parade at 6:15 p.m. followed by the Miracle hosting the Sarasota Reds at 7:05 p.m.

Miracle take game one from Mets

Fri, 09 May 2008 06:10:50 GMT

Fort Myers 7 at St. Lucie 2

W: D. Guerra (3-1, 4.32); L: D. Gee (2-3, 4.54); SV: M. Fox (1)
HR: FTM: W. Ramos (2), W. Robbins (2).

Deolis Guerra held his former teammates to only 5 hits over 6 innings, giving up 2 runs and striking out 1, while Wilson Ramos and Whit Robbins both hit their second home runs of the season as the Miracle overcame the Mets 7-2.

St. Lucie got on the board first, when Luis Rivera doubled, then was brought home on Lucas Duda's double. A Joshua Petersen single served to score Duda, giving the Mets an early 2 runs lead.

But it was short lived though. With 2 outs on the board in the top of the 2nd, Ramos singled his way onto the bags. Robbins double moved him to 3rd, and Juan Portes fly ball to center brought the pair home to tie up the game.

Met's starter Dillon Gee would surrender two more runs in the fifth, although only one was earned. Back-to-back-to back singles by Portes, Yancarlos Ortiz, and Brian Dinkelman loaded the bags. Rene Tosoni would reach on a fielding error by Rivera, scoring Portes. After Danny Valencia was called out on strikes, Johnny Woodard sacrificed in Ortiz to make it 4-2 Miracle.

St. Lucie's Brandon Nall ran into to trouble in the top of the 8th. Edgar Alfonzo would hit Woodard with a pitch before he was lifted from the game in replace of Nall. Ramos and Robbins then hit back-to-back home runs one out later, to score 3 more runs.

Jose Lugo and Matt Fox would finish off the game for the Miracle, combining to allow only 1 run over the final 3 innings. Fox struck out 5, giving a very good accounting of himself despite a wild pitch in the 8th.

Portes would finish up 3-for-4 at the plate with 1 run and 2 RBIs, Ramos and Robbins were both 2-for-4 with 2 runs, Ramos with 2 RBIs, Robbins with 1. Dinkelman would go 3-for-5 at the top of the order.

The series continues tomorrow at Tradition Field with Alex Burnett (2-1, 2.28) getting the start against St Lucie's Nicholas Carr (0-3, 5.34). First pitch is set for 7:00 PM.

The Miracle return home Wednesday, May 14th when the Sarasota Reds will be in town for Island Night at Hammond Stadium.

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Left handed pitcher Errol Simonitsch was added to the Miracle Roster Thursday from Extended Spring Training replacing Zach Day who was released on Tuesday. When I talked to him at Extended last weekend, he said it was not the same injury as the one he suffered last season that had him on the DL. He has pitched well in several outings during extended. The move is not unexpected, and although Simo did indicate he was quite sick of Florida already, he did allow that pitching for the Miracle would be nicer than throwing in Extended Spring Training as he continues his rehab. (NDN)

Minnesota 2 at Chi White Sox 6

WP: J. Danks (3-3), LP: K. Slowey (0-2)
HR: CHI: J. Dye (6), J. Uribe (3)

Kevin Slowey returned to the Minnesota mound, giving up 3 runs including 2 home runs on 4 hits while striking out 4 over 5 innings.

The Twins picked up a pair of runs in the second when former Miracle Matt Tolbert singled in Brendan Harris and Joe Mauer, another Fort Myers Alumni, singled in Adam Everett.

That would be all the Twins would get. Slowey kept them in the game, but the bull pen gave up three runs late to make the score 6-3 and prevent a Minnesota rally.

Mauer was 2-for-3 in the game, while Delmon Young was 2-for-4.

The Twins begin a four game series against the Boston Red Sox on Friday, with Boof Bonsor (2-4, 4.29) going to the mound against Jon Lester (2-2, 3.94).

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Former Miracle Pat Neshek left the game in the 9th inning with a postential serious right elbow strain. The injury occurred after Neshek had allowed a single to Jermaine Dye and struck out Nick Swisher to start the inning. But it was on a slider he threw to the third batter he faced, Joe Crede, that Neshek appeared to hurt his elbow. Neshek immediately grabbed his arm after making the pitch. He will see team physician Dr. Dan Buss on Friday and be re=evaluated at that point. (Twins)

Revere stays hot as Snappers down Bees

Fri, 09 May 2008 06:08:20 GMT

Beloit 8 at Burlington 6

Record 15 - 18

W: B. Tippett (2-1, 3.86); L: H. Arias (2-2, 4.66); SV: M. Williams (3)
HR: BEL: G. Yersich (3).

Beloit blew a 5 run lead, but rallied back to tied the game at 6 in the 8th inning, and passing the Bees in the 9th for the win.

Jair Fernandez had singled his way onto base in the top of the 2nd. With two outs, Joe Benson doubled him in. Greg Yersch then went yard over the left field fence to give the Snappers a 3-0 lead.

Revere singled, then stole 2nd in the 3rd. A Mark Dolenc grounder to center sent the speedy outfielder home. Garett Olson drew a walk, but Chris Parmelee flew into a double play. Fernandez would single out to center to bring in Dolenc, making it 5-0 Snappers.

The bottom of the inning brought trouble to starter Mike Tarsi however, as he allowed back to back singled to Alwin Perez and Antonio Jimenez. He then walked Nicholas Doscher to load the bags. Adrian Ortiz's line drive plated Perez. A second line drive, also out to Dolenc in center field, brought in Jimenez. Mike Moustakas struck out swinging, and Jason Taylor reached on a force attempt when a missed catch by 2nd baseman Steve Singleton allowed Doscher to score. Jamal Walton used the ever popular line drive to center to plate Ortiz before Wilson Tucker popped out and Perez would be called out on strikes to end the inning.

Beloit's marginal lead vanished in the bottom of the 5th when Moustakas doubled to center. A second fielding error by Singleton allowed Taylor to reach. Slippery finger syndrome must be contageous as shortstop Ramon Santana got it next, allowing Walton to reach and Moustakas to score. Loek Van Mil would be brought in to replace Torsi at the point, and got Tuker and Perez out on strikes. A single by Jimenez allowed Taylor to cross the plate, giving the Bees the lead.

With Yensi Lopez on the hill for Burlington, Parmelee took a walk and moved to 3rd on Fernandez's double to right. Chris Cates came into pinch run for Parmelee, but Singleton hit a grounder to center that would have plated either Chris. As it was Cates crossed the plate to tie up the game.

In the top of the 9th with one out, Revere drew a walk. Dolenc then singled, which moved Revere to 3rd. Olson's singled to center to drive in Revere for the game winning run. Cates, serving as designated hitter, singled out to right to score Dolenc for the insurance run.

Revere finished up 2-for-4 with 2 runs. Fernandez, the Snappers catcher, was 3-for-4 with 1 run and 1 RBI. Dolenc was 2-for-5 with 2 runs and 1 RBI.

Game two of the four game series begins Friday at 6:30 PM central time with Danny Berlind (2-2, 4.71) going to mound against Burlington's Edward Cegarra (1-2, 2.12).

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