Miracle back in first with 2-1 victory over Crabs

FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Miracle pitching staff retired 22 of the final 23 Charlotte Stone Crabs to come to the plate and Fort Myers held on for a 2-1 win on Thursday night at Hammond Stadium.
With the victory, the Miracle reclaimed first place in the South Division Second Half standings for the first time in 39 days. In addition, they clinched the head-to-head tie-breaker over Charlotte if the teams end the season with identical records.
Michael Pineda started for the Miracle and allowed one run in three innings. Charlotte opened the scoring in the second on a sacrifice fly by Rene Pinto.
The Miracle answered right away in the bottom of the frame. Alex Kirilloff opened with a double, extending his hitting streak to 14 games. He has now hit safely in 27 of his last 28. With two out and Kirilloff still at second, Ben Rortvedt delivered a two-run double to tie the game.
Fort Myers went in front for good in the fourth. Taylor Grzelakowski opened the frame with an infield single and Jose Miranda later cashed in with an RBI double, the eventual game-winner.
After Pineda, Kevin Marnon (1-4) tossed two scoreless innings to earn the win, striking out two. Andro Cutura pitched the final four to pick up his first save. The right-hander allowed one hit and struck out three.
The seven-game homestand for the Miracle continues on Friday night with the first of three against Clearwater, the first place team in the North Division. First pitch from Hammond Stadium is 7:00 p.m.