Charlotte Stone Crabs shut out by Clearwater Threshers

The Game: The Charlotte Stone Crabs were shut out by the Clearwater Threshers by the score of 2-0 on Friday night at Charlotte Sports Park. Both clubs starting pitchers, Charlotte’s Brian Flores and Clearwater’s Darren Byrd, dueled through five shutout innings before the scoreless tie was broken.

But in the top of the sixth inning, Clearwater was able to take the zero off the board by producing two runs in the inning. Michael Durant got the inning going with a single to left. Durant was then driven home on an RBI triple by Cody Overbeck. Fidel Hernandez followed with a single to left that scored Overbeck. Clearwater’s pitching remained strong as they kept Charlotte off the scoreboard and gave the Threshers a 2-0 win.

Brian Flores turn in an quality start, pitching 5 shutout innings allowing 5 hits and striking out 3 in the no decision. Justin Garcia came into the game in relief and was charged with the loss as he surrendered 2 runs on 3 hits while striking out 1 and walking 1. Tommy Rafferty pitched a shutout inning in the eighth allowing 1 hit and striking out 2. Brian Shouse finished out the final frame by pitching a perfect inning. Darren Byrd earned the win for Clearwater.

What Went Right: Brian Flores; 5 shutout innings, 3 K’s and a pickoff.

What Went Wrong: The offense; unable to produce a run on 6 hits, 0-6 with runners in scoring position and stranded 7 on the bases on the night.

A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs and Threshers finish out the four game series on Saturday night at Charlotte Sports Park with Darn Downs (10-4) pitching against Jon Velasquez (1-2).