Miracle Stay Alive

[DAYTONA BEACH, FL] The Daytona Cubs had the night all planned out. They were going to come out, score a few runs early, coast behind a strong outing by lefty James Russell and celebrate winning the Florida State League Championship series in front of the home fans. Fort Myers had other plans and a couple Miracle homeruns helped down the Cubs, 5-3.

Things did not start the way Daytona expected. After dominating two games in Fort Myers, the Cubs got hit hard in the first. Cubs starter James Russell served up a leadoff double to Juan Portes. Then Edward Ovalle stood in and launched a two-run homerun to left field. The Miracle streaked ahead, 2-0.

Daytona struck back in the bottom of the third. Tony Thomas singled with one out. He stole second base and advanced to third on a wild pitch, all with Jim Adduci batting. Adduci connected on a double, driving home Thomas. Daytona closed the gap and trailed just 2-1.

The Miracle were determined not to be eliminated and bounced back in the fourth. With no outs, Rene Tosoni singled. Wilson Ramos doubled, driving home Tosoni. Whit Robbins stepped in next and pelted a two-run homerun to right field. Fort Myers jumped ahead, 5-1.

The Cubs playoffs standout Thomas electrified the crowd in the bottom of the fifth inning with a clutch two run homer. Daytona cut the lead down and trailed 5-3.

Daytona wasted a golden opportunity in the top of the eighth inning. The Cubs got back to back two out singles by Darwin Barney and Thomas. Adduci walked and Ty Wright stepped in with the bases loaded. Wright struck out and Daytona continued to trail.

The Cubs continue the Florida State League Championships against the Fort Myers Miracle Tuesday beginning at 7:05pm at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Catch the broadcast on 1380 WELE at 6:45pm or on www.daytonacubs.com. The Cubs will host playoff games Sept. 9-10. For ticket information call 386-257-3172 or visit www.daytonacubs.com.