Charlotte Stone Crabs lose game three of FSL Championship Series

The Game: The Charlotte Stone Crabs lost to the Tampa Yankees 3-1 on Monday night in game three of the FSL Championship Series. The lost put the Stone Crabs one game behind the Yankees 2-1 in the best of five series.

Alex Cobb and DJ Mitchell dueled through five full scoreless innings. But the Yankees took the zero of the board in the top of the sixth inning. Damon Sublett reached base on a walk. Austin Romine followed with an RBI double to center that scored Sublett and gave the Yankees a 1-0 lead.

Tampa added some insurance to their lead in the ninth inning, posting two more runs to the scoreboard. Once again it was Damon Sublett getting things started, this time with a single to center. Sublett then stole second base and advanced to third on a throwing error by Nevin Ashley. Austin Romine followed with an RBI double to right to score Sublett and Romine came in to score on a throwing error by John Matulia, increasing the Yankee lead to 3-0.

The Stone Crabs threatened in the bottom of the ninth inning. Matt Sweeney drew a walk to lead off the inning followed by a single by Shawn Williams. Ryan Royster then delivered a pinch hit single to left that score Sweeney and advanced Williams to second. Nevin Ashley delivered a sac bunt to move both runners into scoring position. But the Stone Crabs stranded the tying runs and fell to the Yankees 3-1.

Alex Cobb started and pitched 6 innings, allowing 1 run on 4 hits with 5 strikeouts and 2 walks while being charged with the loss. Austin Hinkle followed with 2 innings and allowed 2 runs on 3 hits with 3 strikeouts. Josh Satow completed the game with 1 no hit inning and striking out 1. DJ Mitchell was the winning pitcher for Tampa.

What Went Right: Matt Sweeney; 2 for 3 with a run scored and a walk, increasing his playoff batting average to .455

What Went Wrong: Stranding Runners; Stone Crabs were 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position and left a total of 9 runners stranded on the night.

A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs try to avoid elimination in game four of the FSL Championship Series on Tuesday night at Charlotte Sports Park. David Newmann (1-0) will be on the mound for the Stone Crabs facing Ryan Zink (0-0) for the Yankees.