Miracle muck up Sanmartín's stellar start, 3-0

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - LHP Reíver Sanmartín hurled eight innings of two-hit, scoreless baseball, but did not receive much assistance. After he exited, the Fort Myers Miracle scored three runs in the top of the ninth to defeat the Daytona Tortugas, 3-0, in front of 2,585 fans at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Thursday night.

Fort Myers (27-19) loaded the bases with nobody out in the ninth on three-straight walks. After a strikeout, 3B José Miranda (0-4, RBI) hit a ground ball in the hole at short. Daytona (25-22) appeared to turn an inning-ending 6-4-3 double play, but base umpire Brandon Blome ruled that 2B Alejo Lopez did not keep his foot on second base. As a result, only the out at first was recorded, while PH-LF Trey Cabbage (0-0, R, BB) scored to put the Miracle up 1-0. Five pitches later, 1B Lewin Díaz (1-4, 2B, 2 RBI, SO) ripped a missile to dead center that bounced over the fence for a ground-rule double. Two men came home on the two-bagger, extending Fort Myers' lead to 3-0.
Daytona's offense struggled throughout the night, as they were limited to just four singles throughout the contest. Only once, in the seventh inning, did they get a man to third base. In that frame, Lopez (1-4) reached on a fielder's choice, moved to second on a throwing error, and advanced to third on a ground out. A fly out to left ended that threat.
Sanmartín (8.0 IP, 2 H, BB, 9 SO) was untouchable for the Tortugas on Thursday. The southpaw tossed a career-best eight spotless innings and set a new personal-high with nine strikeouts in a no-decision.
LHP Charlie Barnes (8.0 IP, 4 H, BB, 5 SO) was equally impressive for the Miracle. The former Clemson Tiger worked a career-long eight innings to earn his third win of the year. RHP Anthony Vizcaya (1.0 IP, 2 SO) retired the side in order in the ninth to earn his sixth save.
RHP John Ghyzel (0.0 IP, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB) walked all three men he faced, all of which scored after he exited the contest. The 23-year-old suffered his second defeat of the campaign as a result.
The Tortugas will look to even the series up at a game apiece on Friday, as RHP Ryan Lillie (1-3, 3.81 ERA) is expected to hit the bump. Fort Myers is scheduled to counter with LHP Tyler Watson (1-4, 4.66 ERA).
The Tortugas Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 6:50 p.m. ET, leading up to the 7:05 p.m. ET start at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Friday evening's contest can be heard on daytonatortugas.com or via the TuneIn Radio and MiLB First Pitch apps.
It will be a perfect night for "Parrotheads", as we continue our Best Dressed Friday series. The Tortugas will celebrate Margaritaville Night with special tropical-themed uniforms worn by players and coaches. The unique jerseys will be auctioned off online throughout the weekend. As a part of the fun, there will be a pregame concert on the concourse by Captain Josh, as well as drink and "Cheeseburger in Paradise" specials all evening long. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for our Friday Night Happy Hour presented by Kona Brewing. Patrons can enjoy buy-one, get-one Kona beer products, and Bud Light from 5:30 p.m. until first pitch. Following the final out, those in attendance will be treated to another marvelous Postgame Fireworks display.
Multi-game plans and single-game tickets are still currently available and can be purchased online at www.daytonatortugas.com, or by calling the Tortugas' Ticket Office at (386) 257-3172.
ABOUT THE DAYTONA TORTUGAS
The Daytona Tortugas are the High-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of the Florida State League. The Tortugas play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in downtown Daytona Beach, Fla. Jackie Robinson Ballpark also plays host to Bethune-Cookman University, the Beijing Shougang Eagles of National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) and many large community events and initiatives throughout the season.