Charlotte Stone Crabs drop game two of doubleheader against Jupiter Hammerheads

The Game: The Charlotte Stone Crabs were swept by the Jupiter Hammerheads in Tuesday’s doubleheader by losing game two 9-4. Jupiter took an early lead on a solo home run by Ben Harrison in the first inning that put the Hammerheads up 1-0.

The Stone Crabs fought back to take the lead in the second inning. Ryan Royster and Matt Sweeney led off the inning with back to back singles. Royster later scored on a wild pitch for the first run of the inning. Sweeney advanced to third on a sac bunt by Omar Luna and then scored on a sac fly by Drew Anderson to put the Stone Crabs ahead 2-1.

Jupiter tied the game in the third inning. Daniel Garcia tripled to center to get thing started. Then Louis Ott delivered an RBI singled to score Garcia and tie the game at two.

The Stone Crabs broke the tie in the fifth inning. Matt Hall singled to right to lead off the inning. Then John Matulia hit a ground rule double, advancing Hall to third and giving the Stone Crabs two runners in scoring position. Shawn Williams followed with an RBI single to score Hall. Matulia later scored on a single by Henry Wrigley that gave the Stone Crabs the lead 4-2.

But the Hammerheads regained the lead to stay in the sixth inning. Ben Harrison walk to lead of the inning then later scored on a double by Brandon Tripp. Then Spike McDougall tripled to score Tripp. Osvaldo Martinez followed with an RBI single to center that scored McDougall. Then Jameson Smith doubled to left, advancing Martinez to third. Daniel Garcia drove home two more runs with a single that scored Martinez and Smith. Greg Burns was hit by a pitch to move Garcia to second. Then the Hammerheads picked up their final runs of the inning on a two run double by Louis Ott. Jupiter picked up seven runs in the inning to win the game 9-4.

Austin Hinkle started the game, pitching 4 innings and allowing 2 runs on 5 hits with 3 strikeouts. Tommy Rafferty suffered the loss, pitching 1 2/3 innings and allowing 7 runs on 6 hits with a strikeout and 2 walks. Shawn Williams pitched 1/3 of an inning, recording the final out of the seven run sixth inning. Todd Doolittle was the winning pitcher for Jupiter.

What Went Right: John Matulia; 3 for 4 with a double and a run score.

What Went Wrong: Tommy Rafferty; allowed 7 runs on 6 hits with 2 walks and a hit batter in just 1 2/3 innings.

A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs continue the series against the Jupiter Hammerheads on Wednesday night at Roger Dean Stadium.