Diamantes Take Game Two From Surge

The Miami Diamantes rallied for two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, giving them their first lead of the night, and they never looked back en route to their first ever victory over the Space Coast Surge.

With two outs and the game tied 2-2, Tyler Johnson hit a single that dropped right in-between Surge left-fielder Steven Wright and shortstop Jimmy Mojica – scoring Justin Pickett from second base. Gabriel Casanova scored on a double-steal later in the inning to give the Diamantes their fourth and final run of the night.

The Surge jumped out to an early lead once again Wednesday on the second pitch of the night as Stantrel Smith hit a solo home run off of Miami starter Anthony Bello. Bello would only allow one other run through seven innings of work, as he picked up his first win in a Diamantes uniform. The former Houston Astros farmhand allowed only five hits on the night, striking out four and walking three.

Miami trailed 2-0 heading into the fourth inning when Brian Mathews smacked a two-out two-run home run off of Space Coast starter Jake Leonhardt. The late comeback by Miami spoiled what was otherwise a strong start for Leonhardt, who ended up allowing four earned runs on seven hits – while striking out seven.

The home run by Mathews was his second of the series, as he also had a solo shot last night in the second inning. The former Los Angeles Angels minor leaguer has gotten off to a strong start for the Diamantes, improving his batting average to .360 after a perfect 2-for-2 night at the plate on Wednesday.

The Diamantes pitching staff was dominant in the latter innings of the game, combining to retire he last 11 Surge hitters – 5 via strikeout. Elvis Hernandez pitched a perfect eighth inning, before Armando Carrasco pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to notch his first save of the season. Miami’s bullpen is a perfect 4-for-4 in save opportunities this season.

The Diamantes and Surge will play a third and deciding game of the series tonight at University Park. The Diamantes will send local hurler Marcus Salmon (1-0, 2.45 ERA) to mound for his third start this season against Space Coast’s Kevin Cooper (0-2, 4.22 ERA). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.