Charlotte Stone Crabs win big by shutting out Daytona 8-0

The Game: The Charlotte Stone Crabs set out to prove that they are still the leaders of the south division by shutting out the Daytona Cubs 8-0 on Saturday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The Stone Crabs got their scoring started in the third inning. John Matulia singled to center to get things going. Drew Anderson then cleared the bases with a two run home run. Nevin Ashley followed with a double to right. Ashley then stole third and later scored on a single by Ryan Royster to put the Stone Crabs ahead 3-0.

The Charlotte offense struck again in the fifth inning. Shawn O’Malley led off the inning with a walk. Drew Anderson then recorded his second hit of the game with a single to center, advancing O’Malley to second. Ryan Royster followed with a three run homer to increase the Stone Crab lead to 6-0.

Meanwhile David Newman continued to work magic on the mound, throwing a no hitter through 4 1/13 innings before giving up a single to Jake Opitz. The Cubs got their only other hit of the night off a single by Jonathan Wyatt, but Newmann retired the next batter to keep Daytona off the board.

Emeel Salem returned to the lineup in grand style by extending his hitting streak to eleven games with a double to lead off the sixth inning. Salem later scored on a single by John Matulia and the Stone Crabs now held a 7-0 lead.

The Stone Crabs scored their eighth and final run in the eighth inning. Shawn O’Malley and John Matulia led off the inning with back to back singles. Nevin Ashley then singled to load the bases. Ryan Royster then drove home a run with a sacrifice fly to give the Stone Crabs an 8-0 margin of victory.

David Newmann and Jose Mejias combined to throw a 2 hit shutout. David Newmann earned the win by pitching 7 scoreless innings while allowing 2 hits and striking out 7 with 1 walk. Jose Mejias pitched the final 2 innings without allowing a hit and recording 2 strikeouts and a walk. Rafael Dolis was the losing pitcher for Daytona.

What Went Right: Ryan Royster; 2 for 4 with a home run, 5 RBI’s and a run scored.

What Went Wrong: Mike McCormick; only Stone Crab not to record a hit by going 0 for 4 with a strike out.

A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs and Cubs wrap up the series on Sunday evening at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Jeremy Hall (12-4) will start for the Stone Crabs against Craig Muschko (5-1).