Charlotte Stone Crabs fall to Daytona Cubs 6-1

The Game: The Daytona Cubs put up a five run ninth inning to break the tie and defeat the Charlotte Stone Crabs 6-1 at Charlotte Sports Park. The Stone Crabs scored first in the bottom of the fourth inning as Cody Cipriano led of the inning with a double and was later drove home by Reid Fronk to give the Stone Crabs a 1-0 advantage.

The Stone Crabs lead held until the top of the seventh. Starlin Castro walked to start the inning for the Cubs. Castro stole second and then advanced to third on a wild pitch by Justin Garcia. Jovan Rosa delivered an RBI single to right, scoring Castro and tying the game at 1-1.

The tie held until the top of the ninth when the Cubs broke it open. Two errors and a hit batter help the Cubs put up five runs in the inning. Tony Campana led off with a single to right, followed by Stalin Castro being hit by a pitch. Nate Samson advanced the runners with a sac bunt but reached himself thanks to a throwing error by Austin Hinkle, Campana scored on the play. Robinson Chirinos followed with a RBI single to left to score Castro. Jovan Rosa drove in two runs with a triple to center and was later drove in by Marwin Gonzalez. The big inning gave the Cubs a 6-1 victory.

Stone Crabs manager Jim Morrison was ejected in the ninth inning by home plate umpire Brandon Misun for arguing a hit batter call in the ninth inning. Starlin Castro got the free pass after being hit on the hand during a bunt attempt. The ejection was Morrison’s second of the season.

Darin Downs turned was strong in the start but ended up with the no decision. Downs pitched 6 shut-out innings allowing 7 hits while striking out 8 and walking 2. Justin Garcia gave up the tying run and was charged with a bad save, allowing 1 run on 1 hit while striking out and walking 2 in an inning work. The loss was credited to Austin Hinkle, surrendering 5 runs (4 earned) off 3 hits and striking out 2 in 2 innings of work. Luke Summer was the winner for Daytona.

What Went Right: Ian Paxton; 3 for 4 with a double in his Stone Crab debut. Darin Downs; 6 shut-out innings with 8 K’s.

What Went Wrong: The Bullpen; gave up all 6 of the runs.

A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs and Cubs conclude the series and the homestand on Saturday night at Charlotte Sports Park. Alex Cobb (2-2) will oppose Ryan Searle (4-3).