The Game: Despite taking an early lead, the Charlotte Stone Crabs fell to the St. Lucie Mets 3-2 in extra innings at Tradition Field. The Stone Crabs took the lead right at the start, putting up two runs in the first inning. John Matulia led off the game by drawing a walk and then later scored on an RBI triple by Drew Anderson. Anderson then scored on a ground ball by Nevin Ashley to give the Stone Crabs a 2-0 lead.The Mets cut the lead in half in the bottom of the seventh inning. Brahiam Maldonado went deep with a solo home run off Jesse Darcy to bring the Mets to within one run of the lead, 2-1. The Mets struck again in the home half of the eighth. Kirk Nieuwenhuis delivered a solo home run to tie the game at two and force extra innings.
The game remained tied until the tenth inning when the Mets once again went to the long ball. Kirk Nieuwenhuis hit his second home run of the night to give the Mets the 2-2 victory in extra innings.
Brian Flores pitched 5 1/3 shut-out innings and allowed only 1 hit while striking out 5 and walking 3. Jesse Darcy allowed 3 solo home runs and was charged with the loss, surrendering 3 runs on 5 hits and struck out 2 in 4 innings worked. Josh Stinson picked up the win for St. Lucie.
What Went Right: Brian Flores; pitched a no-hitter through 5 innings before allowing the only hit in the 5 1/3 innings on the mound.
What Went Wrong: Matt Hall; 0-4 with 4 K’s.
A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs and Mets wrap up the series on Wednesday night at Tradition Field. Jake McGee (0-1) will get the start for Charlotte against Scott Moviel (1-5) for St. Lucie.
Been looking at Stone Crabs stats and see that they are still wasting Ian Paxton down in the bullpen. Guess they don't feel they need his .279 BA. According to stats, he hasn't played since July 30th. Wow. Replacement Mike McCormick batting .195. It's amazing how much weight a draft pick has over a free agent.
ReplyDeleteI have no clue why Charlotte is not playing Paxton. I figured once Ashley was sent back, he would go back to being #1 catcher, but McCormick and Paxton would split time. However that is not the case as McCormick is still seeing the playing time and Paxton has been stuck as bullpen catcher and rarely a DH.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, Jim, Paxton FINALLY did play-as DH- on August 21-Long time since he last stepped on the field way back on July 30th. And what did he do???? He drove in their only run. He is now batting .282. Hellooooo Charlotte StoneCrabs-you're wasting a good hitter/catcher.
ReplyDeleteI was at the game....not only did Paxton play and deliver, he also put on a good dancing dispay with Myron Noodleman as part of the on field entertainment. Pictures to follow soon.
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