Stone Crabs Snap Losing Streak with Shut-Out over Palm Beach

The Charlotte Stone Crabs picked up their first win of the second half by defeating the Palm Beach Cardinals 6-0 and snapping a five game losing streak. The Stone Crabs offense came alive, powered by a 4 for 5 performance by Shawn O'Malley including 2 triples and a double while scoring three time.

The Stone Crabs took the lead in the first inning. O'Malley led off the inning with a triple to center. O'Malley would then score on a wild pitch for the first run of the game. Stephen Vogt then reached on a passed ball on strike three followed by a single by Matt Spring to put two runners on the bases. They would not remain there long as Reid Fronk struck his fourth triple of the season, scoring both runners and giving the Stone Crabs a 3-0 lead.

The Charlotte offense struck again in the second inning. Once again it was an extra base hit by O'Malley to get things going, this time it was a double to center. Vogt drove home the run with an RBI single to increase the lead to 4-0.

The Stone Crabs would score yet again in the sixth inning with another extra base hit by O'Malley. O'Malley picked up his second triple of the game, driving the ball to right field. He would later score on a ground out by Tim Beckham to push the lead to 5-0.

The Stone Crabs sixth and final run would come in the eighth inning. Kyeong Kang doubled to center followed by a single by O'Malley to move him to third. Kang would score on an RBI single by Tim Beckham to give the Stone Crabs the 6-0 victory.

Joe Cruz pitched 7 shut-out innings enroute to his fifth win of the season. Cruz allowed 5 hits with 7 strikeouts and 3 walks. Zach Quate lowered his ERA to 0.47 by pitching 2 no-hit innings in relief, striking out 1 and walking 1.

The Stone Crabs and Cardinals conclude the series on Wednesday night at Roger Dean Stadium. Frank De Los Santos (6-3, 4.66) will make the start for the Stone Crabs versus Brett Zawacki (2-2) for Palm Beach.