FSL1 Charlotte Stone Crabs

Kiermaier Helps Stoney Sweep Flying Tigers

Published on July 14, 2016 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Charlotte Stone Crabs News Release


PORT CHARLOTTE, FL - Can we keep him? Please?

Rays Gold Glove CF Kevin Kiermaier went 2-for-3 with a double, two walks, and two runs scored, six Stone Crabs pitchers allowed just two runs in 14 innings, and the Stone Crabs swept a doubleheader from the Lakeland Flying Tigers on Thursday night, winning Game 1 4-0 and Game 2 5-2.

It was the first doubleheader sweep of the year for Charlotte, which improved to 4-6 on the season in twin bills.

Game 1 started as an intense pitcher's duel, as southpaws Grayson Garvin and Tyler Alexander fought to a draw through the first five innings. Garvin was spectacular, allowing just two walks and a hit while fanning five. Garvin has thrown 10 innings with the Stone Crabs in his return, giving up just four hits, one run, and two walks while striking out eight and throwing merely 116 pitches total.

Charlotte finally broke through in the sixth. Joe McCarthy reached on an error by shortstop A.J. Simcox to lead off the inning, and Kiermaier drew a walk against Lakeland reliever Malvin Martinez (1-1). After a Mac James bunt, Justin Williams lined his second double of the game down the right field line to score both men and make it 2-0 Crabs.

Grant Kay followed two batters later with his team-high eighth home run of the year, leading to the 4-0 final score. Diego Castillo (1-0) threw two scoreless innings from the pen to pick up his first Florida State League win.

The offense picked up right where it left off in Game 2. Kiermaier walked against Trent Szkutnik (0-3) with one out, and Alec Sole followed with another base on balls to put two on. Williams came through with his second go-ahead hit in two innings, scoring the Gold Glover and making it 1-0 Charlotte.

The Stone Crabs scored two more in the second. Armando Araiza singled to lead off the inning, and Thomas Milone broke a 2-for-33 skid with a double to put runners on second and third with nobody out. Matt Eureste drove in a run on a ground ball, and Joe McCarthy scored Milone with a sac fly. Kiermaier followed with his last appearance of the night, a strong line drive base hit the other way.

Lakeland cut the lead down to 3-1 against Jeff Howell in the fourth, who left the game with the bases loaded and one out. Mike Franco (4-3) struck out Zach Shepherd and popped up Ismael Salgado to end the threat.

The Stone Crabs tacked onto their lead in the bottom of the frame, when Milone singled to the infield, advanced to third on the next two outs, and scored on a wild pitch. Back to back hits from Sole and Williams, along with a sac fly from Kay, closed the scoring for Charlotte in the fifth.

The Stone Crabs and Flying Tigers play their third game of four on Friday night at Charlotte Sports Park. RHP Greg Harris (6-5, 3.40) toes the rubber for Charlotte against Lakeland RHP A.J. Ladwig (9-6, 3.66). First pitch is scheduled for 6:35. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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Florida State League Stories from July 14, 2016


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