Charlotte Stone Crabs win tenth straight home game with 4-1 win against Clearwater

The Game: The Charlotte Stone Crabs won their tenth straight game at Charlotte Sports Park by defeating the Clearwater Threshers 4-1 on Thursday night. The Stone Crabs jumped out to an early lead in the first inning. Shawn O’Malley drew a walk to start the inning and then was driven home on an RBI double John Matulia to give the Stone Crabs a 1-0 lead.

Clearwater fought back to tie the game in the third inning. Yonderman Rodriguez got things started with a single on a bunt to third. Luis Arzeno followed with a single to left to advance Rodriguez to third. Then Javis Diaz drove home the run with a sac fly to right that scored Rodríguez and tied the game at 1.

The Stone Crabs broke the tie in the bottom of the fourth inning. Ryan Royster led off the inning with a line drive single to center. Henry Wrigley followed with an RBI double to left that scored Royster and the Stone Crabs took a 2-1 lead.

Charlotte increased their lead in the sixth inning. Ryan Royster singled to left to get the inning started. Henry Wrigley followed with an RBI double to score Royster. Mike McCormick drew a walk and Wrigley scored on a wild pitch by Clearwater’s Drew Naylor giving the Stone Crabs a 4-1 margin of victory.

Jake McGee made his second start of the season, limited to one inning and striking out 2 of the 3 batters he faced. Alex Cobb earned the win, pitching 7 innings and allowing 1 run on 4 hits while striking out 6. Brian Shouse pitched a no hit ninth inning to earn the save. Drew Naylor was the losing pitcher for Clearwater.

What Went Right: Henry Wrigley; 2 of 4 with 2 doubles, 2 RBI’s and a run scored.

What Went Wrong: Shawn Williams; 0-3 with 3 K’s.

A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs and Threshers will play game three of the series on Friday night at Charlotte Sports Park. Brian Flores (0-4) will be on the mound for the Stone Crabs against Darren Byrd (2-3) of Clearwater.