Rivero befuddles Miracle but Stone Crabs fall late

Ft. Myers-Charlotte Stone Crabs manager Brady Williams has been waiting for a night like Saturday at Hammond Stadium. He speaks glowingly of prospect Felipe Rivero and his ability to shut down opponents. Rivero made his skipper look real smart as he threw one-hit ball over six innings against the most potent lineup in the league. 

However, the Miracle (18-4) rallied for single tallies in the eighth and ninth innings for a 2-1 win, their sixth in a row against the Stone Crabs (8-14) this season. 

Rivero was efficient throughout his start, retiring Ft. Myers in order in three of the first four innings. To give you an idea of how good his stuff was, he struck out Miracle slugger Miguel Sano twice on a total of six pitches. The only hit he allowed was actually off of his glove. Rivero struck out six in all (four looking) and walked three while throwing just over 70 pitches in his six innings of work.

However, the bullpen could not hold the slim 1-0 lead the Stone Crabs had enjoyed since a Luke Scott single to right in the third plated Kes Carter. Reliever Lenny Linsky allowed a leadoff single to Matt Koch to open the eighth. He was pinch ran for by Stephen Wickens who scored one out later on a double by Angel Morales.

Jake Partridge (0-2) came on in the ninth and walked the bases loaded. Then with two outs, he walked Morales on a full count pitch to end it. 

The Stone Crabs return home Sunday to start a seven game home stand against defending champion Lakeland. Right-hander Jesse Hahn (0-0) will start for Charlotte against fellow righty Wilsen Palacios (1-2). First pitch is scheduled for 5:30pm and it's Golfer Appreciation Night. For tickets, call 941-206-HITS or visit www.stonecrabsbaseball.com.