Stone Crabs Clinch Playoff Spot with Ninth Straight Win

The Charlotte Stone Crabs made their way into the playoffs by winning the First Half South Division Title on Sunday, defeating the Jupiter Hammerheads 3-1 at Charlotte Sports Park. The win was the Stone Crabs ninth victory in a row.

The Stone Crabs scored all three of their runs in the fourth inning. Tim Beckham singled followed by a double from Reid Fronk to put two runners in scoring position. Greg Sexton cleared the bases with a three run homer to give the Stone Crabs a 3-0 lead.

Jupiter scored their only run of the game in the sixth inning. Ernestro Manzanillo tripled to right,scoring Emilio Ontinveros for the Hammerheads only run of the game.

Matt Moore picked up the win, his third in a row. Moore pitched 7 innings, allowing 1 run on 5 hits with 11 strikeouts and 2 walks. Marquis Fleming earned the save with 2 no-hit innings, striking out 2.

The Stone Crabs and Hammerheads will play a doubleheader on Monday at Charlotte Sports Park. Nick Barnese (5-3, 3.59) will face Brad Hand (4-3, 3.33) in game one while Chris Andujar (5-1, 3.27) will oppose Graham Johnson (0-8, 6.47) in game two of the seven inning contests.