Charlotte Stone Crabs lose to Tampa Yankees 3-2

The Game: The Charlotte Stone Crabs dropped a close game to the Tampa Yankees 3-2 on Sunday at George Steinbrenner Field. The Stone Crabs were on the board first with a sac fly by Shawn O’Malley that scored Ryan Royster and put the Stone Crabs ahead 1-0. But Tampa didn’t trail long, tying the game in their half of the third on a RBI single by Austin Krum to score Walter Ibarra.

The Yankees took the lead in the fifth on an RBI single by Jesus Montero to score Walter Ibarra and give the Yankees a 2-1 advantage. But Charlotte answered back in the top of the sixth as Greg Sexton scored on a wild pitch by Tampa’s Lance Pendleton, the Stone Crabs evened the game at 2 a piece.

Tampa battled out of the tie in the bottom of the eighth inning. Eric Fryer led of the inning with a single to center. Austin Romine than delivered a double to center allowing Fryer to score the go ahead run for the Yankees. Jonathan Hovis came in to close it out for the Yankees and give them the 3-2 victory.

Darin Downs pitched seven innings in the no decision allowing 2 runs on 7 hits while striking out 5. Kevin Boggan suffered the loss allowing 1 run off 2 hits in an inning of work. Lance Pendleton was the winner for Tampa.

What Went Right: Darin Downs; 5 K’s and only allowed 2 runs off 7 hits. Emeel Salem; Stone Crabs only player to have multiple hits on the night going 2-4.

What Went Wrong: The Offense; did not produce a multi-base hit and struck out 7 times as a team.

A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs and Yankees play game three of the series Monday night at Steinbrenner Field. Alex Cobb (1-2) is slated to pitch against Jeremy Bleich (3-3).