Charlotte Stone Crabs defeat Dunedin Blue Jays 7-2

The Game: The Charlotte Stone Crabs defeated the Dunedin Blue Jays 7-2 on Thursday night at Charlotte Sports Park. The Stone Crabs hit the board early as Shawn O’Malley led off the game with a single to right field. O’Malley then stole second and advanced to third as the throw by Dunedin’s catcher Jonathan Jaspe sailed into center. Cody Cipriano delivered an RBI double to score O’Malley and give the Stone Crabs a 1-0 lead.

Dunedin answered back by taking the lead in the top of the third inning. Scott Campbell got things going with a single to left. Moises Sierra hit an RBI triple to score Campbell and later scored on an double by Eric Thames. The Blue Jays took over the lead 2-1.

But the Blue Jay lead would not last long as Charlotte battled back and put up a five run fourth inning. Cody Cipriano led off the inning with a single, then stole second base and advanced to third on a ground out by Shawn Williams. Reid Fronk singled to center to score Cipriano and later scored on an RBI triple by Henry Wrigley. John Matulia hit an RBI single that scored Wrigley. Christian Lopez cleared the bases with a two run home run. The Stone Crabs added another run in the sixth when Reid Fronk scored on a wild pitch by Celson Polanco to give the Stone Crabs the 7-2 margin of victory.

Darin Downs won his sixth game on the year by pitching 6 innings and allowing 2 runs on 7 hits while striking out 9 and walking 2. Brian Flores pitched a 3 inning save allowing no runs on 1 hit with 3 strikeouts. Andrew Libel was the losing pitcher for Dunedin.

What Went Right: Darin Downs; picked up season high 9 strikeouts enroute to his sixth win of the season. John Matulia; 2-3 with a triple, RBI and a run scored.

What Went Wrong: Pat Burrell; was 0-4 with 2 K’s in his MLB rehab appearance.

A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs and Blue Jays face off in game two of the series on Friday night at Charlotte Sports Park. Alex Cobb (3-2) will be on the mound for Charlotte. Jason Bartlett will begin three game rehab stint with the Stone Crabs playing DH on Friday and SS for Saturday and Sunday.