FSL1 Charlotte Stone Crabs

Cardinals Deal Crushing Blow with 7-6 Win in 10

Published on August 12, 2014 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Charlotte Stone Crabs News Release


PORT CHARLOTTE, FL (August 12, 2014) - The Stone Crabs 18-6 record since July 17 lifted their spirits and brought them right back into the playoff picture in the South Division. This impressive run has been defined by winning those must-win games, and finishing off series when the opportunities arise. But keep in mind, a lot of those games came out of the division against the North, where the Stone Crabs have been a much better team this season. On Tuesday night, it seemed like they were on their way, but a late flurry from the Cardinals spoiled a 5-2 lead. Palm Beach escaped with a 7-6 victory in 10, dealing a rather large blow to the `Crabs postseason aspirations in the opening game of the series.

Two walks from Cardinals starter Corey Littrell in the first led to a two out single by Tyler Goeddel down the right field line for a 1-0 lead. Cardinals center fielder Nick Martini opened the third against Jared Mortensen with a walk before moving to second on a passed ball by Maxx Tissenbaum. Greg Miclat crushed a game-tying double before Luke Voit brought him home with a double of his own to put Palm Beach ahead 2-1.

Littrell had retired nine in a row before Marty Gantt skied his fourth home run to right to tie the score at two with two outs in the fourth. Littrell, making just his second Florida State League start against Charlotte, then got two quick outs to begin the fifth. Tommy Coyle's single through the right side allowed Johnny Field to rocket his second home run of the year to left for a 4-2 lead. A walk to Tissenbaum, a single by Patrick Leonard, and another RBI single from Goeddel finished off a big inning that left the Stone Crabs up by three.

Ryan Garton's second pitch to Bruce Caldwell in the sixth was deposited over the right field wall to make it a two run game. Garton set down the next six hitters, but made things tough in the eighth when he walked Aledmys Diaz to start the inning. A couple of groundouts to short and another walk to Caldwell put the tying runs in scoring position. As Jose Molina made his way in from the bullpen, Mason Katz was up to pinch-hit for David Washington. A 2-0 pitch was chopped to third, popping up on Goeddel for a big error that allowed Diaz to score. Ildemaro Vargas then sent a run scoring single into right past Coyle to tie it up, and Dante Rosenberg came through with his second hit to score Katz and give the Cardinals a 6-5 lead.

Down to their final out in the ninth, Tissenbaum sent the crowd of 1,551 into a frenzy when he tied the game with his fifth home run off Chris Perry (1-1) into the `Crabs bullpen. Although they had thrived with an 8-1 record in extra inning games, that mark took a hit when Katz opened the 10th inning with a double to left off Marcus Jensen (5-6). Vargas, whose single in the eighth came on an 0-2 pitch, took another one over first base for a drop in double and a 7-6 lead. Charlotte's final gasp came in the bottom of the 10th when Luke Bailey gave them a chance by working a two out walk. Dann Bilardello went back to his bullpen to summon Corey Baker for the save. The move worked once Juniel Querecuto slashed a hard bouncer to first that was picked by Voit with a diving stop to end the ballgame and give Palm Beach the win.

The series continues on Wednesday night at 6:30 PM when Reinaldo Lopez (6-4, 3.34 ERA) goes up against former first round pick Tyrell Jenkins (5-3, 3.45 ERA). It's Weenie Wednesday, where fans can enjoy a delicious Kayem hot dog for just $1 during all Wednesday home games! There are still great seats available, so visit www.stonecrabsbaseball.com or call 941-206-HITS (4487) to order your tickets now!

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Florida State League Stories from August 12, 2014


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