Charlotte Stone Crabs sweep Sarasota with 2-1 win in extra innings

The Game:It took twelve innings to accomplish but the Charlotte Stone Crabs picked up a 2-1 victory to sweep the Sarasota Reds at Charlotte Sports Park. The Sarasota Reds put the first run on the scoreboard in the sixth inning. Shane Carlson led off the inning with a single to left. Carlson then stole second base and later scored on a single by Denis Phipps to give Sarasota a 1-0 lead.

Sarasota’s pitching staff controlled the tempo of the game as Scott Carroll, Joseph Krebs and Enerio Del Rosario combined to keep the Stone Crabs off the scoreboard through eight innings.

But it all changed in the bottom of the ninth inning as the Stone Crabs rallied. Henry Wrigley got things started with a single to short. Shawn O’Malley came into the game to pinch run for Wrigley and advance to third on a ground out by Greg Sexton. John Matulia followed with a hard hit ball that was misplayed by Jake Kahaulelio and allowed O’Malley to score, tying the game and forcing extra innings.

The game stay tied until the bottom of the twelfth inning. John Matulia led off of the inning with a single to first and then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Christian Lopez. Matt Hall followed with a singled to left and Matulia scored to give the Stone Crabs a 2-1 victory.

Jesse Darcy threw a good game but ended up with a no decision. Darcy allowed 1 run on 5 hits while striking out 5 in 7 innings of work. Tommy Rafferty pitched 3 innings and allowed 3 hits while striking out 3 and walking 1. Austin Hinkle picked up the win by pitching 2 no hit innings and recording a strikeout. Josh Beal was the losing pitcher for Sarasota.

What Went Right: John Matulia; 3 for 5 at the plate, drove in the tying run and scored the winning run.

What Went Wrong: Cody Cipriano; 0-5, now hitless in the last 5 games.

A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs hit the road on a six game road trip starting with a three game series against the Jupiter Hammerheads (5-8) at Roger Dean stadium on Wednesday. Darin Downs (7-4) will get the start for the Stone Crabs.