FORT MYERS -- Deibinson Romero capped a stunning comeback with a three-run walk-off home run and the Fort Myers Miracle shocked the Jupiter Hammerheads 9-6 on Wednesday.

The Miracle (43-26) wrapped up the first half of play with a series victory against the Hammerheads (34-33). The win evens the season series at 6-6, and as a result no FSL South rival was able to post a winning record against the division champs.

Romero's home run -- his third of the year -- was a fitting finish just one day after the team set a new season-best record of three home runs in Tuesday's game. The comeback began in the eighth inning as Ben Revere grounded into what looked to be a routine out at second base. Instead, first baseman Spike McDougall missed Louis Ott's toss, opening the door to a Chris Parmelee RBI single, Nick Romero sacrifice fly, and Kyle Gunderson wild pitch to score Deibinson Romero. That made the score 6-5, Jupiter, heading into the ninth.
ADVERTISEMENT

After Blair Erickson allowed one hit and struck out the side in the top of the frame, pinch-hitter Evan Bigley lined a single to center that was almost caught by a diving Greg Burns. Chris Cates used a bunt to sacrifice the tying run into scoring position, bringing Revere up once again.

The All-Star and reigning Minor League batting champ crushed a Gunderson fastball over the right fielder's head all the way to the wall as Bigley crossed the plate with the tying run. With Revere on second after his double, the Hammerheads chose to intentionally walk Steve Singleton (who was 1-for-4 with a triple) and take their chances with Deibinson Romero.

It was a back-and-forth battle as Romero kept looking for a pitch to drive. With a full count, and the Hammerheads eager for a double play grounder, Gunderson grooved a fastball and Romero didn't miss. The third baseman unloaded on the mistake with a line drive deep to left, just out of the reach of a leaping McDougall. As the runners scored one-by-one, the Miracle players all mobbed Romero at home plate in celebration.

David Bromberg started and gave up five earned runs in five and one-third, but the late comeback kept his record perfect at 5-0. Jeff Allison's two-earned run, six-hit, six inning outing was also wasted. Erickson (1-3) got the win just two days after giving up a ninth-inning winning run in the opener, while Gunderson (0-1) took the loss.

Combined, relievers Kris Harvey and Gunderson gave up five earned runs on five hits in two and one-third in relief of Allison, with two walks and one strikeout.

Deibinson Romero finished 2-for-4 with two runs scored and four RBI, Chris Parmelee went 3-for-3 with an RBI and run, and Nick Romero was 2-for-3 with an RBI.

The Miracle begin their second-half schedule with the first of a four-game series with Daytona at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday at Hammond Stadium.

Are You an Insider Yet?
SZ Insider. A look ahead into the big player feature, the big story, tips, rumors, and special opportunities for collectibles and memorabilia only available for our insiders. Free monthly to your e-mailbox. Click the link to subscribe to this FREE newsletter!