Ft. Myers bats explode, collect 18 hits in 13-4 win

JUPITER, FL- The Miracle broke out the big sticks Saturday night at Roger Dean Stadium, pounding out 18 hits, highlighted by two monster home runs en route to a 13-4 victory over Palm Beach.

Nine players on the Miracle roster collected hits on the night including six with multi-hit performances. Fort Myers' eighteen total hits marks the most given up by the Palm Beach pitching staff in a single game this season (previous mark was 16 by St. Lucie on 5/9).

However, there was a silver lining for the Cardinals on the night. Designated hitter David Popkins, who was coming off of a 4-4 outing the night before, continued his hot hitting as he strung together three hits in his first three at-bats, including a solo homer in the 6th. Also, centerfielder Nick Longmire kicked his April off on the right foot, piecing together a 4-4 night, capped off by his 4th homer of the season in the 9th inning.

Cardinals starting pitcher Tyler Melling got roughed up for 10 hits (2HR) in 4 2/3 innings, his worst outing of the year. Melling gave up 7 ER, walked one and struck out 2, his ERA now sits at 4.20.

The two teams will play the last game of their three-game series tomorrow, 5:05 p.m. at Roger Dean Stadium.

WP: Stuifbergen (2-3) LP: Melling (1-2)