TAMPA – Backed by five perfect innings from starter Graham Stoneburner, the Yankees jumped out to an early lead and cruised to a 6-2 victory over the Fort Myers Miracle Thursday afternoon.

Stoneburner, called up Wednesday from Class A Charleston, set down the first 15 Miracle batters until a leadoff walk to Drew Thompson in the sixth inning broke up the bid for perfection.

Trailing 3-0, the Miracle scored their only two runs in the sixth after Thompson’s walk. With two out, Brandon Roberts smoked a double down the right-field line to score Thompson, giving the Miracle their first hit and first run of the day. Paul Kelly followed with what appeared to be an inning-ending popup, but miscommunication in the outfield between left-fielder Neil Medchill and shortstop Jose Pirella allowed the ball to drop in for an RBI single.

Still ahead 3-2, the Yankees wasted no time gaining runs back by scoring three times in the sixth.

Stoneburner (1-0) exited after the sixth after allowing just two runs on two hits while striking out seven and walking one for the victory in his debut.

Tampa, which only managed four runs in the first three games of the series, avoided a four-game sweep at the hands of the Miracle behind a series-high 13 hits.

Seven of nine Yankee players recorded hits in the game, with three apiece by Walter Ibarra and Brad Suttle.

Andrei Lobanov and Steve Blevins combined to finish the final 11 outs without allowing any runs in their debuts for the Miracle.

After taking three-of-four from the Yankees (17-17), the Miracle (15-18) head to Bradenton for one game Friday night before retuning home to Hammond Stadium for one more against the Marauders.

The Miracle start a nine-game homestand beginning with Saturday night’s action against Bradenton.