Charlotte Stone Crabs lose to Dunedin Blue Jays 7-4

The Game: Despite Ian Paxton going deep twice, the Charlotte Stone Crabs lost to the Dunedin Blue Jays 7-4 Friday night at Charlotte Sports Park. Dunedin opened the game up with back to back singles by Darin Mastroianni and Scott Campbell. Mastroianni later scored thanks in part by a fielding error by Matt Hall and the Blue Jays took a 1-0 lead.

The Stone Crabs tied the game in the bottom of the third on a solo home run by Ian Paxton. Dunedin answered back and retook the lead off a home run by Jesus Gonzalez to put the Blue Jays ahead 2-1.

Charlotte battled back to tie the game in the fourth when John Matulia reached base after being hit by a pitch and later scored on an RBI double by Cody Cipriano. The Stone Crabs took the lead for the first time in the fifth as Ryan Royster led the inning off with a walk and Ian Paxton followed with a two run homer, his second homer of the night, to give the Stone Crabs a 4-2 lead.

But the Blue Jays offense wasn’t finished as they put five runs on the scoreboard in the sixth inning. Scott Campbell got the rally started with a single to center, followed by a double by Eric Thames. Alex Cobb issued an intentional pass to Jesus Gonzalez to load the based for the Blue Jays. Adam Loewen and John Tolisano both singled to drive in runs and Cobb walked Matt Liuzza to drive in the third run of the inning and keep the bases loaded. Darin Mastroianni singled home two more runs as the Blue Jays took a 7-4 lead in which they never relinquished.

Alex Cobb picked up the loss by surrendering 7 runs on 8 hits while striking out 6 and walking 2 in 5 1/3 innings of work. The bullpen combined for 3 2/3 shut out innings with Justin Garcia going 1 2/3 allowing 3 hits and picking up 3 strikeouts. Kevin Boggan pitched the final 2 frames and allowed 2 hits with 2 strikeouts. Tim Collins was the winning pitcher for the Blue Jays.

What Went Right: Ian Paxton; 2-4 with 2 home runs, 3 RBI’s and 2 runs scored.

What Went Wrong: Alex Cobb; 8 runs off 7 hits in 5 1/3 innings.

A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs and Blue Jays will play game three of the four games set Saturday night at Charlotte Sports Park. Jose Mejias (1-0) will start for the Stone Crabs and will face Vince Bongiovanni (2-3). Jason Bartlett will continue his rehab assignment and is scheduled to play shortstop for the Stone Crabs.