FSL1 Charlotte Stone Crabs

Koch and Mets Clip 'Crabs 6-2

Published on August 20, 2014 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Charlotte Stone Crabs News Release


PORT CHARLOTTE, FL (August 20, 2014) - For the last month, Jared Sandberg has viewed his bullpen as a major strength and contributor down the stretch. After surviving the Mets six run rally in the eighth on Tuesday night thanks to a brilliant effort from Ryan Garton, they weren't as fortunate in the final game of the series. A 2-1 lead in the seventh disappeared when the Mets sent eight batters to the plate against the combination of Jordan Harrison and Zach Cooper. In the end, the Mets left Port Charlotte with a 6-2 win to send the Stone Crabs into the final off day five games back with 10 to play.

Coming off a loss despite a great showing against the Cardinals last week, Austin Pruitt started slowly in the first. Maikis De La Cruz reached on a fielder's choice groundout and advanced to third after stealing second with a throwing error from catcher Luke Bailey. L.J. Mazzilli's run scoring single gave the Mets a 1-0 lead and the inning continued when Phillip Evans singled Mazzilli to third. Pruitt retired the side by striking out Cole Frenzel, and he wouldn't allow another run the rest of the way.

Matthew Koch (8-4) hadn't won since June 21 against Fort Myers, but still posted a 7-4 record entering the game. After a perfect first, he allowed a leadoff infield single to Patrick Leonard in the second. An 0-1 pitch to Tyler Goeddel was rocked over the left field wall to give the Stone Crabs a 2-1 lead. For Goeddel, it was his fifth home run and first since May 7.

The Stone Crabs 2-1 advantage held until the seventh when Harrison returned for his second inning in relief of Pruitt. The lefthander battled with the eighth hitter Gilbert Gomez until a walk put the tying run at first. Eudy Pina struck out swinging for the first out, but the game changed when Jeff McNeil dropped down a nice bunt up the first base line. Harrison fielded it well, but his throw to first was dropped by Leonard for a crucial error. A walk to Gavin Cecchini led to Cooper being summoned from the bullpen for the final two outs with the bases loaded. A wild pitch scored Gomez to tie the score right before De La Cruz bashed a two run double to put the Mets ahead 4-2. Mazzilli and Evans followed with run scoring base hits to widen the gap and make it 6-2 heading into the seventh inning stretch.

In the eighth, the Stone Crabs final charge came against talented closer Paul Sewald. Johnny Field's one out single preceded another by David DeJesus, who finished 1-for-4 on a rehab assignment. With the heart of the order coming up, Sewald used his devastating breaking ball to strike out Tommy Coyle and Leonard to retire the side. Sewald returned for the ninth and made quick work of the `Crabs with a groundout back to the mound and pair of strikeouts to end the ballgame.

The Stone Crabs head into their final scheduled off day on Thursday, August 21 before returning home to start a three game series against the Fort Myers Miracle on Friday night at 6:30 PM. There are still great seats available for the rest of the weekend homestand, so visit www.stonecrabsbaseball.com or call 941-206-HITS (4487) to order your tickets now!

Check out the Charlotte Stone Crabs Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Florida State League Stories from August 20, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central