Charlotte Stone Crabs defeat Blue Jays in extra innings

The Game: The Charlotte Stone Crabs avoided a sweep by defeating the Dunedin Blue Jays 9-8 in extra innings at Dunedin Stadium. The Stone Crabs got things started in the top of the second off a solo home run by Henry Wrigley. Ryan Royster followed with a double to center and was later drove home by Emeel Salem. Salem scored on a single by John Matulia and the Stone Crabs took an early 3-0 lead.

The Stone Crabs added another run in the fourth inning as Ryan Royster doubled and later scored on an error. Charlotte’s offense kept right on going with two more runs in the fifth off an RBI single by Henry Wrigley to score Greg Sexton and then an RBI double by Reid Fronk to score Cody Cipriano. The Stone Crabs got another run in the top of the sixth on a sac fly by Sexton to take a 7-0 lead.

But the Blue Jays would not back down and mounted an eight run rally to give Dunedin the lead. The rally started off in the sixth inning off a single by Sean Shoffit. Raul Barron followed with an RBI triple to right and then later scored on a single by Moises Sierra for the second run of the inning.

The rally continued into the seventh inning as the Blue Jays struck for six runs in the inning. Adam Loewen reached on a fielding error by Kevin Boggan to give the Blue Jays their first runner in the inning. Jesus Gonzalez followed with a double to move runners to second and third. Justin Jackson drove home Loewen with a single to right. Then it was Sean Shoffit’s turn to drive in a run with a single to right. Moises Sierra then singled to score Jackson. John Tolisano cleared the bases with a three run homer and Dunedin took the lead 8-7.

The Stone Crabs fought back in the top of the eighth and Henry Wrigley delivered an RBI single to right scoring Shawn O’Malley to tie the game and force extra innings. The game stayed tied until the eleventh inning when an error on a pick-off attempt by Dunedin’s Manuel Rodriguez allowed Henry Wrigley to score and give the Stone Crabs a one run lead. Austin Hinkle took over the mound and preserved the lead and give the Stone Crabs the 9-8 win.

Jeremy Hall turned out another great performance by going 6 innings and allowing 2 runs off 5 hits and striking out 6 in the no decision. Kevin Boggan followed with a rough 2/3 of an inning allowing 4 runs (only 1 earned) off 3 hits with a strikeout. Tommy Rafferty followed and was charged with a bad save after giving up 2 runs on 2 hits in a 1/3 of an inning. Matt Gorgen took over in the eighth inning and pitched 3 innings of no hit baseball striking out 2 batters and earning the win. Austin Hinkle recorded the save by pitching 1 no hit inning. Tim Collins suffered the loss for Dunedin.

What Went Right: Henry Wrigley; 4 for 6 with 3 RBI’s, a home run and scored the game winning run. Matt Gorgen/Austin Hinkle; combined to pitch 4 innings of no hit baseball.

What Went Wrong: Kevin Boggan/Tommy Rafferty; responsible for giving up a 5 run lead in only 1 inning of work.

A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs return to Charlotte Sports Park for a four game series against the Brevard County Manatees (2-2). Alex Cobb is the probable starter for the Stone Crabs.