Charlotte Stone Crabs lose to Fort Myers Miracle 2-1

The Game: Fort Myers starting pitcher Deolis Guerra held a no-hitter into the seventh inning of Friday nights game as the Charlotte Stone Crabs fell to the Fort Myers Miracle 2-1 at Hammond Stadium. Fort Myers broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the third inning. Jair Fernandez led off the inning with a double to right field and later scored on a bunt by Chris Cates. The Miracle added another run in the fifth inning off a solo home run by Mark Dolenc and the Miracle had 2-0 lead.

The Stone Crabs broke up Guerra’s no hitter in the top of the eighth inning. Ryan Royster reached base on a throwing error by Guerra. Royster later advanced to third on a ground out by Shawn Williams. Christian Lopez followed with a double to left to score Royster and end Guerra’s chance for a no hitter. The Stone Crabs could not put up any more runs and the Miracle held on to win 2-1.

Darin Downs took the loss allowing 2 runs (1 earned) off six hits while striking out 4 and walking 3 in 7 innings. Tommy Rafferty pitched an inning in relief and gave up 1 hit while striking out 2 and walking 1. Deolis Guerra was the winner for Fort Myers.

What Went Right: Darin Downs; only surrendered 1 earned run in 7 innings, now leads the league in strike-outs.

What Went Wrong: No offensive support; Stone Crabs hitter only picked up 2 hits and left a 6 runners stranded on base with a total of 7 strikeouts on the night.

A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs return to Charlotte Sports Park to play the Fort Myers Miracle in the final game of the two game series. David Newmann (3-3) will pitch for Charlotte and will be up against Steve Hirschfeld (2-2).