Crabs salvage split, win 5-2 at Hammond Stadium
Lee goes six strong innings in no decision
FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 3, 2015) - The Charlotte Stone Crabs scored three runs in the top of the eighth inning en route to a 5-2 victory over the Fort Myers Miracle on Sunday afternoon at Hammond Stadium.
Tied 1-1 after seven innings, the Stone Crabs used a patient approach to start a rally in the top of the eighth off Miracle reliever Brian Gilbert. Marty Gantt coaxed a lead-off walk and Juniel Querecuto followed with a free pass to put runners at first and second. Willy Adams worked a 3-1 count before dropping a single into center field to score Gantt from first to break the deadlock.
Gilbert (0-1) exited and manager Jeff Smith called on J.T. Chargois to enter out of the pen with runners on the corners and no outs. Chargois retired Jake Bauers on a ground out to second, but a second run scored to put the Crabs up 3-1. Then, Joe Rickard lined a base hit into center to drive in Adames and push the Charlotte lead to 4-1.
In the bottom of the eighth, the Miracle got a run back off of Charlotte closer Brad Schreiber. Niko Goodrum started the inning with a walk and advanced to third on a base hit by Alex Swim. Marcus Knecht then lifted a fly ball deep into left that was caught by Gantt, but Goodrum tagged and crossed home plate to cut the Charlotte advantage to 4-2.
The Stone Crabs regained a three-run lead in the ninth with three consecutive hits off Brandon Peterson. With one out, Yoel Araujo laced a single through the left side. Gantt followed with a base hit up the middle and Querecuto drove in Araujo with a seeing eye single past the Peterson and into center field.
Schreiber returned for the bottom of the ninth and struck out the side to record a two inning save, his sixth of the season.
Miracle starter Brett Lee went six innings in a no decision with one run allowed on four hits, four walks and two strikeouts. Lee's only blemish came in the fourth inning when he allowed a two-out RBI single to Mike Marjama.
Fort Myers scored the first run of the game in the third inning. Engelb Vielma led off the frame with a solo home run, his first of the season. Vielma's homer came on a 2-2 count and landed 367-feet from home plate.
Charlotte starter Chris Kirsch also received a no decision after surrendering just one run on five hits with a walk and three strikeouts. Josh Kimborowicz got the win out of the Crabs bullpen. Kimborowicz (1-0) pitched a scoreless seventh.
The Miracle (9-15) are back at Hammond Stadium on Monday for a 7:05 p.m. first pitch against the Bradenton Marauders (12-12). Gates open at 6 p.m. and tickets are available by calling (239) 768-4210 or ordering online at www.miraclebaseball.com.
Tied 1-1 after seven innings, the Stone Crabs used a patient approach to start a rally in the top of the eighth off Miracle reliever Brian Gilbert. Marty Gantt coaxed a lead-off walk and Juniel Querecuto followed with a free pass to put runners at first and second. Willy Adams worked a 3-1 count before dropping a single into center field to score Gantt from first to break the deadlock.
Gilbert (0-1) exited and manager Jeff Smith called on J.T. Chargois to enter out of the pen with runners on the corners and no outs. Chargois retired Jake Bauers on a ground out to second, but a second run scored to put the Crabs up 3-1. Then, Joe Rickard lined a base hit into center to drive in Adames and push the Charlotte lead to 4-1.
In the bottom of the eighth, the Miracle got a run back off of Charlotte closer Brad Schreiber. Niko Goodrum started the inning with a walk and advanced to third on a base hit by Alex Swim. Marcus Knecht then lifted a fly ball deep into left that was caught by Gantt, but Goodrum tagged and crossed home plate to cut the Charlotte advantage to 4-2.
The Stone Crabs regained a three-run lead in the ninth with three consecutive hits off Brandon Peterson. With one out, Yoel Araujo laced a single through the left side. Gantt followed with a base hit up the middle and Querecuto drove in Araujo with a seeing eye single past the Peterson and into center field.
Schreiber returned for the bottom of the ninth and struck out the side to record a two inning save, his sixth of the season.
Miracle starter Brett Lee went six innings in a no decision with one run allowed on four hits, four walks and two strikeouts. Lee's only blemish came in the fourth inning when he allowed a two-out RBI single to Mike Marjama.
Fort Myers scored the first run of the game in the third inning. Engelb Vielma led off the frame with a solo home run, his first of the season. Vielma's homer came on a 2-2 count and landed 367-feet from home plate.
Charlotte starter Chris Kirsch also received a no decision after surrendering just one run on five hits with a walk and three strikeouts. Josh Kimborowicz got the win out of the Crabs bullpen. Kimborowicz (1-0) pitched a scoreless seventh.
The Miracle (9-15) are back at Hammond Stadium on Monday for a 7:05 p.m. first pitch against the Bradenton Marauders (12-12). Gates open at 6 p.m. and tickets are available by calling (239) 768-4210 or ordering online at www.miraclebaseball.com.