Harris Tosses Rain-Shortened Gem
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL - Greg Harris, celebrating his 22nd birthday, dominated the Jupiter Hammerheads for six innings on Wednesday night. Mother Nature took care of the rest.
An ear-splitting blast of thunder rocked Charlotte Sports Park in the bottom of the sixth, prematurely handing the Stone Crabs a 1-0 win over the Hammerheads.
The victory pulled the Stone Crabs within a game of the first-place Hammerheads in the FSL South second half standings. St. Lucie beat Fort Myers to stay a half-game between Charlotte and Jupiter in second. The Miracle are in fourth, two back of the Hammerheads.
Harris (10-6) was absolutely masterful, striking out seven in his six innings of work. He only ran into trouble in the fourth when he allowed two hits to start the inning, but the birthday boy knuckled down to strike out two of the next three and escape the jam. Harris is 6-1 in the second half, and the Californian has allowed just one run on eight hits in his last 20 innings pitched.
Brad Schreiber was warming in the bullpen while the Stone Crabs were at bat in the sixth, but it didn't matter. Out of nowhere, a huge bolt of lightning struck just across the street from the stadium and a massive crack of thunder followed half a second later, immediately bringing the players off the field. The game was officially finished half an hour after.
The Stone Crabs managed just enough offense against Hammerheads ace Luis Castillo. Cristian Toribio, who wrapped up the game 3-for-3, led off the fourth with an infield single. Nick Ciuffo followed by lining a base knock into left to put runners on the corners with no outs.
Castillo (8-4) popped up Mac James for the first out, but Jace Conrad hit the first pitch of his at-bat into left for a sacrifice fly. The win was the second straight 1-0 victory for Charlotte.
The Stone Crabs go for the sweep and a potential first-place tie against the Hammerheads tomorrow night. RHP Mike Franco (6-4, 1.94) takes the ball for Charlotte against Jupiter RHP Jeff Brigham (5-6, 3.88). First pitch is set for 6:35.