Charlotte Stone Crabs lose to Fort Myers Miracle 2-0

The Game: The Charlotte Stone Crabs suffered their first loss of the season by losing 2-0 to their division rival Fort Myers Miracle on Tuesday at Charlotte Sports Park. The Charlotte bullpen provided 5 innings of no-hit relief, but the offense could not manage a run against the Miracle pitching staff.

The Miracle broke up the tie ball game in the top of the fifth inning. Nick Romero and Jair Fernandez drew back to back walks to lead off the inning. Chris Cates laid down a sac bunt that was misplayed by pitcher Chris Andujar, loading the bases. Yangervis Solarte followed with a double to right field, scoring two runs and giving the Miracle the lead.

The Fort Myers pitching staff continued to dominate and kept the Stone Crabs off the scoreboard to secure the win.

Chris Andujar (0-1, 4.50) suffered the loss, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits with 3 walks in 4 innings. Marquis Fleming followed with 2 no-hit innings with 3 strike outs and a 2 walks. Michel Jarman pitched 1 no-hit inning. Tommy Rafferty was next on the hill, throwing an inning with no runs, no hits and 1 walk. Zach Quate pitched a hitless ninth, recording a strikeout. Kyle Gibson (1-1, 2.79) was the winning pitcher for Fort Myers.

Stone Crabs Player of the Game: The Bullpen; Marquis Fleming, Michael Jarman, Tommy Rafferty and Zach Quate held the Miracle hitless in the final 5 frames to try and keep the game close in hopes the offense could spur a rally.

RP Top Prospect Watch:
Jake Jefferies: 0 for 3 with a strikeout, 1 for 1 in throwing out base stealers.
Kyeong Kang: 1 for 4
Matt Sweeney: 1 for 4 with a double and a strikeout.

A Look Ahead: The Stone Crabs (3-1) face the Fort Myers Miracle (1-4) again Wednesday night at Charlotte Sports Park. Matt Moore (0-0, 3.00) will be on the mound for the Stone Crabs facing Michael Tarsi (0-1, 9.00) for Fort Myers.