Charlotte Stone Crabs win against Palm Beach Cardinals

The Game: The Charlotte Stone Crabs defeated the Palm Beach Cardinals 7-3 on Saturday night at Roger Dean Stadium. The Cardinals took an early lead in the first inning. Adron Chambers led off the inning with a single to left and then advanced to second on a throwing error by Ryan Royster. Matt Carpenter grounded out to first to advance Chambers to third base. Then Curt Smith drove home the run with an RBI single to center giving Palm Beach a 1-0 lead.

The Stone Crabs took control of the game in the second inning aided by the offense posting six runs to the scoreboard and a fifty two minute rain delay to let the home team think about the deficit. Ryan Royster and Shawn Williams delivered back to back singles to lead off the inning. Royster then stole second and Matt Hall drew a walk to load the bases. Omar Luna then hit a ground ball to first that should have been an easy out, but thanks to errors, Luna was safe and three runs crossed the plate. Luna later scored on an RBI double by Emeel Salem. Drew Anderson then drew a walk to put runners on the corners. John Matulia followed with a two run triple to score Salem and Anderson, giving the Stone Crabs a 6-1 lead.

Then the rains came, drenching Roger Dean Stadium and forcing officials to call a rain delay. Once play resumed, the Stone Crabs picked up right where they left off with Matt Hall delivering a solo home run in the top of the third inning to increase the lead to 7-1.

The Cardinals scored two additional runs in the eighth inning off Angel Castro. Matt Carpenter delivered a two run double but it wasn’t enough as the Stone Crabs held on for the 7-3 win.

Alex Cobb and Jesse Darcy both returned to the lineup from stints on the disabled list. Cobb earned the win by pitching 5 innings and only allowing a rub on 2 hits while striking out 7 and walking none. Darcy threw 2 shut-out innings with a walk. Angel Castro struggled in his second start with the Stone Crabs allowing 2 runs on 2 hits with a strikeout and a walk in 1 inning of work. Kevin Boggan worked a no hit ninth, striking out 2 of the 3 batters he faced. Richard Castillo was the losing pitcher for Palm Beach.

What Went Right: Alex Cobb; returned for the DL in winning fashion, striking out 7 and only allowing 2 hits in 5 innings pitched.

What Went Wrong: Angel Castro continues to struggle, allowing 2 of the 3 Palm Beach runs and has an ERA of 45.00.

A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs and Cardinals conclude the series on Sunday at Roger Dean Stadium. Ryan Morse (0-0) is scheduled to pitch against George Brown (1-4).