Miracle Handle Cubs 7-3
The Cubs took an early 1-0 lead as center fielder David Macias led off the Daytona night with a triple to right-center field. Third baseman DJ LeMahieu promptly brought him home with his team-leading 53rd RBI of the season.
Fort Myers took advantage of a Junior Lake error to tie the game at one in the top of the third inning. The Cubs shortstop redeemed himself in the bottom half of the inning with a solo home run to left field to regain the lead for Daytona. It was his fourth home run of the year.
The Miracle used a long ball of their own in the top of the sixth inning to take their first lead of the game. Third baseman Deibinson Romero and right fielder Evan Bigley reached on back-to-back one-out singles to set the table for first baseman Nate Hanson. The Minnesota native smacked his fifth home run of the year deep over the left field wall to give the Miracle a 4-2 lead.
Cubs starter Brooks Raley lasted just four innings as he went deep in the count to a number of batters. On the other side Bruce Pugh lasted 6 innings and only gave up the two early runs while striking out five.
The D-Cubs and Fort Myers each tallied solo runs off the bullpens in the seventh and eighth inning to remain the Miracle lead to two runs at 5-3.
Fort Myers would tack on two more insurance runs in the ninth innings off of relief pitcher Jeff Beliveau to extend the 7-3 lead.
The Daytona Cubs will once again host the Fort Myers Miracle Saturday night in the series finale. Fans make sure to come out and support Vince Carters Embassy of Hope Foundation by placing bids on many great items. Gates open at 6:00 and first pitch is slated for 7:05.