Winning streak ends, Stone Crabs fall to Sarasota

The Game: The Charlotte Stone Crabs gave up a six run lead to lose to the Sarasota Reds at Ed Smith Stadium, ending their winning streak at five games. Charlotte jumped out to an early lead in the first inning by scoring three runs. Emeel Salem scored on an error by Neftali Soto and then Cody Cipriano delivered a two RBI single to score Shawn O’Malley and Gregory Sexton and put the Stone Crabs ahead 3-0.

The Stone Crabs continued the offense by adding a run in the second off an RBI single by Gregory Sexton. Then again in the third inning as the Stone Crabs pushed across two more runs off a Nevin Ashley single to score Cody Cipriano and an RBI single by Emeel Salem. The Stone Crabs now held a commanding 6-0 lead.

But that all changed in the bottom of the third as Yonder Alonso once again proved he can hit the Stone Crab pitchers by delivering a grand slam, his fourth homer of the season and third against the Stone Crabs. The Reds got another run off an RBI triple by Denis Phipps to pull within 1 run of the Stone Crabs.

Sarasota took the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning by scoring three runs off Brian Flores courtesy of a 2-RBI double by Jason Bour and an RBI double by Justin Reed. Sarasota now leads 8-6. Charlotte added another run in the seventh as Cody Cipriano drove home Gregory Sexton. However, the Stone Crabs could not stretch across any more runs and Sarasota held on to win 8-7.

Jesse Darcy started for Charlotte and pitched 5 innings giving up 5 runs (3 earned) on 6 hits and fanning 4. Brian Flores was charged with the loss giving up 3 runs on 3 hits in 1 innings work. Rayner Oliveros pitched 2 no-hit innings for the Stone Crabs. Luis Montano was the winning pitcher for Sarasota and Philippe Valiquette picked up a save.

What Went Right: Cody Cipriano; 2-4 with a double, run scored and 3 RBI’s. Rayner Oliveros; 2 no-hit innings out of the bullpen, third shutout relief appearance with the Stone Crabs.

What Went Wrong: Giving up a six run lead.

A Look Ahead: The Charlotte Stone Crabs play Sarasota in game two of the series at Ed Smith Stadium. David Newmann (1-1) will face Jeremy Horst (0-2).