FSL1 Charlotte Stone Crabs

Lobstein, Stone Crabs Blank Mets, 3-0

Published on August 8, 2011 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Charlotte Stone Crabs News Release


PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Strong pitching and timely hitting gave the Stone Crabs a series victory over the St. Lucie Mets on Monday. A pair of hurlers tossed Charlotte's league-leading 12th shut-out of the season in a 3-0 blanking of St. Lucie.

Kyle Lobstein bounced back nicely from a challenging outing in his prior start to frustrate the Mets hitters. He also avenged a loss to St. Lucie on June 22 that kicked off a six-game losing skid for the young southpaw.

Lobstein (8-9) turned in one of his best performances of the season, working six scoreless innings to earn the victory. The lefty allowed just four hits and a walk while striking out six batters.

The Stone Crabs used early offense to back Lobstein's strong effort. Anthony Scelfo's ground out to third plated a first inning run, which would prove to be all the necessary run support.

Charlotte scored two more runs in the third inning. Hak-Ju Lee led things off with his fourth home run of the season, while Mark Thomas just missed one his own, settling instead for a sacrifice fly that made it a 3-0 game.

Following Lobstein out of the bullpen was no easy task, but righty reliever Kirby Yates approached it as business as usual. Yates tossed three blank frames to earn his first save of the season. Those three innings pushed Yates' franchise record scoreless streak to 21 2/3 innings, which spans his first 10 appearances of the season.

Tyler Bortnick had another big evening when it came to reaching base safely. He singled, drew three walks, and stole three bases as well. Bortnick leads the FSL with 38 steals and a .430 on-base percentage.

With five more steals in Monday's win, the Stone Crabs now have a league-best 151 on the season. That total is also the most by any Tampa Bay Rays affiliate.

Despite taking 2-of-3 from St. Lucie, Charlotte was unable to gain any ground in the second half FSL South Division standings. The first place Bradenton Marauders won their ninth consecutive game to maintain a three-game lead in the division.

The Stone Crabs hit the road to open a three-game series against the Palm Beach Cardinals on Tuesday. Left-hander C.J. Riefenhauser (0-0) will take on righty Arquimedes Nieto (1-3) in the opener. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m.

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Florida State League Stories from August 8, 2011


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