Mirabella strikes out 20; misses perfect game in last inning

Courtney Mirabella stuck out 20 and just missed a perfect game allowing only one –hit to lead Braden River to a 1-0 victory over Texas Ridge Point Thursday in opening round play of the Sarasota Spring Break Softball Tournament at Sarasota High.

The only hit off Mirabella was a bloop single with one out in the seventh inning. She had struck out 18 of the 19 batters she faced until that point.   

Freshman Bethaney Keen doubled in the third to drive in the Pirates run. Ashley Allard, who reached on a walk, scored on the play. The only other hit for Braden River was first inning single by Brittany Cole.

Mirabella (7-1) now has 130 strikeouts in 59 innings.