The Miracle scored both runs in the bottom of the first when Deibinson Romero connected on a two-run shot.

After Chris Cates walked, Romero lined his first home run as a Miracle over the left-field wall. All Lakeland managed was a two-out RBI single in the sixth inning against Mike McCardell, who notched the win and improved to 7-3.

McCardell limited the Tigers to just four hits in six innings, with one earned run, two walks, and three strikeouts.

Loek van Mil worked two perfect innings in relief for Fort Myers (36-19), with two strikeouts, before Waldrop struck out one on his way to a 1-2-3 ninth for his second save.

Lakeland pitcher L.J. Gagnier (3-4) suffered the loss despite a strong outing.

After struggling for most of May, Romero, has hit .310 in his last eight games.

Game two of the series is Monday at Hammond Stadium.