Charlotte Stone Crabs sweep Hammerheads with 4-2 win

The Game: The Charlotte Stone Crabs swept the Jupiter Hammerheads by winning 4-2 on Friday night at Charlotte Sports Park. Jupiter got on the scoreboard first in the third inning. Miguel Fermin led off the inning with a single to short. Fermin stole second and advanced to third on a ground out by Osvaldo Martinez. Greg Burns followed with a sac fly to left to score Fermin and give the Hammerheads a 1-0 lead.

The lead held until the sixth inning when things fell apart for the Hammerheads and the Stone Crabs took advantage, striking for four runs in the inning. The inning started with a lead off double by Shawn Riggans. Henry Wrigley followed with an RBI single to right to score Riggans and tie the game. Ryan Royster was next to reach on a fielding error by Jupiter’s Luis Ott. John Matulia then delivered an RBI double to score Wrigley and move Royster to third. Ryan Royster then scored after being caught in a run down following Mike McCormick’s grounder, Royster was tagged out on the play but was ruled safe because Jupiter’s catcher did not have the ball in his glove when he tagged Royster. Matulia scored the final run of the inning on a sac bunt by Matt Hall and the Stone Crabs took the lead 4-1.

The Hammerheads scored another run in the seventh inning as Geraldo Valentin got things going with a triple to center. Valentin later scored on a single by Osvaldo Martinez to pull the Hammerheads within two. But the Stone Crabs closed the door and held on for the 4-2 victory.

Alex Cobb earned the victory, pitching 6 innings and surrendering 1 run on 4 hits while striking out 4 and walking 1. Justin Garcia pitched 1 2/3 innings and allowed a run on 3 hits while striking out 3 and walking 1. Austin Hinkle threw 2/3 innings of no hit relief and walked 2. Tommy Rafferty earned the save by pitching 2/3 of an inning and did not surrender a hit. Brett Harker was the losing pitcher for Jupiter.

What Went Right: Alex Cobb; 1 earned run in 6 innings while striking out 4.

What Went Wrong: Omar Luna; 0-4 at the plate with 2 K’s, committed an error on the field as well.

A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs travel to Lakeland to begin a four game series with the Lakeland Flying Tigers (10-10) at Joker Marchant Stadium. Jake McGee (0-0) will get his first start for the Stone Crabs in Saturday nights game. Charles Furbush (5-4) will be on the mound for Lakeland.