Charlotte Stone Crabs beat Daytona Cubs to extend winning streak

The Game: The Charlotte Stone Crab kept their streak going, winning their third game in a row by defeating the Daytona Cubs 8-1 at Charlotte Sports Park on Wednesday. Players and fans sat through a one hour and fifteen minute rain delay, but the Stone Crabs jumped out to an early lead once things got started by scoring two runs in the second inning. Reid Fronk drew a walk and then was drove home on an RBI double by Shawn Williams. Williams scored on the play off a throwing error by Daytona’s Marwin Gonzalez and Charlotte took a 2-0 lead.

The Stone Crabs kept it going into the third inning. Christian Lopez led of the inning with a double to left. Shawn O’Malley followed with an RBI double to left scoring Lopez. O’Malley later scored on an single by Greg Sexton. Cody Cipriano kept the hit parade going with a single to left. Shawn Williams then picked up two more RBI’s with a single to center that scored Greg Sexton and Cody Cipriano and giving the Stone Crabs a 6-0 lead.

The Stone Crabs picked up two more runs in the bottom of the fifth. Greg Sexton reached base on a fielding error by Daytona’s Marwin Gonzalez. Sexton later scored when Cody Cipriano hit an triple to right. Cipriano then scored on the sacrifice fly by Reid Fronk putting the Stone Crabs on top 8-0.

The Cubs scored their only run of the night in the top of the sixth inning. Marwin Gonzalez led off the inning with a single to left. Starlin Castro reached on a throwing error by David Newmann. Nate Samson loaded the bases with a single to center. The Daytona run crossed the plated as Newmann walked Robinson Chirinos with the bases loaded, allowing Gonzalez to score. The Stone Crabs worked out of the jam by turning a double play on Jovan Rosa to end the inning without further damage. The Stone Crabs held on to the 8-1 advantage to take the win.

David Newmann evened his record to 3-3 by picking up the win. Newmann allowed 1 run (unearned) off 2 hits while striking out 8 and walking 2. Paul Phillips allowed no runs and no hits in 2 innings recording a strikeout and a walk. Jose Angel Mejias finished the game by throwing a perfect ninth. Dan McDaniel suffered the loss for Daytona.

What Went Right: Pitching; the three pitchers (Newmann, Phillips and Mejias) combined to allow 1 unearned run off 2 hits while striking out 9, the bullpen provided 3 no-hit innings. Shawn Williams; 2 for 3 with a double, 3 RBI’s and a run scored.

What Went Wrong: Stranding runners; Stone Crabs left 9 on base and were 3 for 13 with runners in scoring position.

A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs and Cubs play game two at Charlotte Sports Park on Thursday night. Jeremy Hall (5-3) is scheduled to pitch for Charlotte.