Charlotte Stone Crabs defeat Daytona Cubs 3-2

The Game: Jeremy Hall won his league leading thirteenth game and Emeel Salem extended his hitting streak to a franchise high twelve games as the Charlotte Stone Crabs defeated the Daytona Cubs 3-2 on Sunday evening at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

The Stone Crabs led of the first inning with back to back singles by Shawn O’Malley and John Matulia. Drew Anderson followed with a walk to load the bases. Nevin Ashley reached on a fielding error and O’Malley scored to give the Stone Crabs the lead. Charlotte added to their lead in the second inning off a solo home run by Matt Hall and the Stone Crabs now had a 2-0 led.

Daytona fought back to tie the game in the bottom of the third inning. Jose Made singled to left then advanced to second on a sacrifice by Tony Campana. Jake Opitz drew a walk followed by a single by Starlin Castro and the Cubs had the bases loaded. Brandon Guyer drove in a run with a ground ball to second to score Made. Marwin Gonzalez then singled on a bunt to score Opitz and suddenly the game was tied.

The game remain tied until the top of the sixth inning. Ryan Royster singled to right to start the inning. Royster then advanced to third as a pickoff attempt by Jose Pina sailed into the bullpen, allowing Royster to advanced all the way to third. Mike McCormick hit ground ball to short, allowing Royster to score the go ahead run. The Stone Crabs pitching combination of Jeremy Hall, Justin Garcia and Richard De Los Santos combined to keep the Cubs off the board and Charlotte held on for the 3-2 win.

Jeremy Hall won his league leading thirteenth game by pitching 6 innings and giving up 2 runs on 6 hits while striking out 3 and walking 3. Justin Garcia held the game in check, pitching 1 shutout inning allowing 2 hits and striking out 1. Richard De Los Santos picked up the save by throwing 2 no hit innings with 1 strikeout. Jose Pina was the losing pitcher for Daytona.

What Went Right: Shawn O’Malley; 2 for 3 with a run scored, walk and stolen base.

What Went Wrong: Missed Opportunities; Stone Crabs stranded 6 men on base in the course of the game.

A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs will get a much need day off on Monday before kicking off a four game series with division rival Fort Myers Miracle (19-18).