Charlotte Stone Crabs defeat Brevard County in game two of doubleheader

The Game: The Charlotte Stone Crabs earned a split of Thursday’s doubleheader by defeating the Brevard County Manatees 2-1 in the second game. Brevard County scored first on a RBI single by Zelous Wheeler to score Caleb Gindl and give the Manatees a 1-0 lead.

The Stone Crabs battled back to tie the game in the third. Shawn O’Malley drew a walk to get things started. Emeel Salem doubled to right and O’Malley scored aided by a throwing error by Brevard’s Caleb Gindl.

The game stayed tied until the bottom of the seventh. John Matulia started off the inning with a single to center. Christian Lopez followed with a single. Matulia got picked off on the next play and Lopez advanced to second on a ground out by Omar Luna. Shawn O’Malley singled to advance Lopez to third. Emeel Salem followed with a single to second to score Lopez and give the Stone Crabs the 2-1 win.

Austin Hinkle started the game for the Stone Crabs and pitched 5 innings allowing 1 run on 3 hits while striking out 5 and walking 1. Matt Gorgen picked up the win by throwing 2 shutout innings and allowed 1 hit and struck out 3 batters. Brandon Rapoza was the losing pitcher for Brevard County.

What Went Right: Emeel Salem; 2 for 4 with a double and drove in the winning run.

What Went Wrong: Omar Luna; 0-3 on the night and hitting .177 on the year.

A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs head to Fort Myers to play the Miracle on Friday. Darin Downs is scheduled to pitch for the Stone Crabs.