Charlotte Stone Crabs lose lead and game in late innings against St. Lucie

The Game: The Charlotte Stone Crabs lost to the St. Lucie Mets 8-3 on Wednesday night at Charlotte Sports Park. The Stone Crabs took an early lead by scoring in the second inning. John Matulia delivered a solo home run to give the Stone Crabs a 1-0 lead.

St. Lucie added a run of their own in the fourth inning. Zach Lutz doubled to lead off the inning. Lutz then advanced to third on a ground ball by Francisco Pena. Lutz came home to score on a fielding error by Drew Anderson as St. Lucie tied the game.

The Stone Crabs matched their run in the home half of the inning to regain the lead. Ryan Royster doubled to start the inning. Royster made it home on back to back sacrifices, first by John Matulia to move to third, then advanced home on Nevin Ashley’s fly ball to center and the Stone Crabs now held a 2-1 lead.

The Stone Crabs pushed across another run in the sixth inning. Drew Anderson tripled to lead off the inning. Andersen then scored on a wild pitch to increase the Charlotte lead 3-1.

But it all fell apart in the ninth inning as St. Lucie struck for seven runs in the inning to give the Mets a 8-3 victory.

David Newmann pitched 5 innings and allowed 1 run in 4 hits with 5 strikeouts and 2 walks. Chad Bradford continued his rehab assignment by throwing 1 innings and allowed a hit and struck out a batter. Tommy Rafferty followed and threw 2 no hit innings with a walk and a strikeout. Angel Castro made his debut in the ninth, gave up 3 runs on a hit with 2 walks while never recording an out and was charged with the loss. Austin Hinkle pitched the remainder of the ninth and allowed 4 runs on 3 hits with a strikeout and 2 walks. Stephen Clyne was the winner for St. Lucie.

What Went Right: David Newmann; 1 unearned run on 4 hits with 5 K’s.

What Went Wrong: Angel Castro & Austin Hinkle; combined to allow 7 runs on 4 hits with 4 walks in the ninth inning leading to the loss.

A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs and Mets conclude the series on Thursday night at Charlotte Sports Park. Jeremy Hall (13-5) will be on the mound against Scott Moviel (0-5).