McKay return, home runs not enough in 6-5 loss

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (July 26, 2018) - The Stone Crabs' pitching staff struck out a season-high 14, but a pair of home runs wasn't enough in a 6-5 loss to the St. Lucie Mets at First Data Field.
After Charlotte (51-47, 17-14) took an early 2-0 lead on a pair of solo home runs from Tristan Gray and Robbie Tenerowicz , Kevin Padlo made it 3-0 in the fourth with a two-out double to center.
Stone Crabs left-hander Brendan McKay made his return from the disabled list, going three scoreless innings. McKay allowed just one hit while striking out five, fanning the final four batters he faced.
With Charlotte leading 3-0 in the bottom of the fourth, the Mets (40-59, 13-19) rallied against Stone Crabs reliever Josh Fleming . After a double and walk, Luis Carpio scored on an error to make it 3-1. After another walk loaded the bases, Gray committed a throwing error, which allowed two runs to score and tie the game at three. Fleming struck out the next two batters to keep the game tied.
The Stone Crabs took the lead right back in the fifth. After two men reached, Gray singled up the middle to give Charlotte a 4-3 lead.
However, the Mets plated a pair of runs against right-hander Riley O'Brien (2-3) in the sixth to make it 5-4 St. Lucie.
Down one in the top of the eighth, Jesús Sánchez launched an opposite-field double to left center. With two outs, Jake Fraley turned on a single to right to tie the game at five.
O'Brien settled in to put up a pair of zeroes before allowing a single and a double in the bottom of the ninth. Raphael Gladu then rolled a base hit into center to end the game and give St. Lucie a 6-5 win.
O'Brien did strike out six in relief, helping the Stone Crabs set their season high with 14 punchouts.
The Stone Crabs will look to even the series with St. Lucie at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Blake Bivens (5-4, 3.22) makes the start for Charlotte against Blake Taylor (1-4, 4.58) of the Mets. Coverage starts at 6:15 p.m. on the Stone Crabs Baseball Network.