FSL1 Charlotte Stone Crabs

Stone Crabs Drop Wild Extra Inning Affair to Yankees

Published on July 30, 2011 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Charlotte Stone Crabs News Release


TAMPA, Fla. -- The Charlotte Stone Crabs battled through 14 innings, but eventually fell 6-5 to the Tampa Yankees on Friday at Steinbrenner Field.

The game featured 11 combined pitchers, including an infielder, and the winning base hit was delivered by usual reliever Michael Solbach, who came in to play first base in the 13th inning.

The visitors could not get the clutch hit, but they do not fall further in the standings. Since St. Lucie lost and Bradenton won, the Stone Crabs now find themselves in a three-way tie for first place in the South Division.

Charlotte scored all its runs early, beginning in the top of the second. With the bases loaded, Hak-Ju Lee walked to bring in a run. A batter later, Ty Morrison stroked a single to plate Reid Fronk and Matt Hall to take a 3-0 lead.

Mike Sheridan added to the advantage with an RBI double in the third and Tyler Bortnick capitalized on a favorable situation in the fourth. The Charlotte second baseman lifted a sacrifice fly to right field to stretch the Stone Crabs' lead to five.

Charlotte starter Matt Stabelfeld exited in the fifth after four scoreless frames and the Tampa bats woke up. Kelvin Castro launched a triple to center field to plate two off reliever Deivis Mavarez. Abe Almonte notched a sacrifice fly a batter later to bring the score to 5-3.

The Yankees began the seventh with a hit by pitch and a double, prompting Charlotte manager Jim Morrison to bring in Adam Liberatore. After retiring the next two hitters, Ronnier Mustelier sent a ground ball double down the left field line to tie the game.

The two sides battled back and forth through extra frames, each having chances to win the game. Tampa was forced to use five relievers and an infielder on the mound.

Michael Jarman threw four shutout innings after Liberatore exited, but the Yankees broke through against Charlotte reliever Scott Shuman. After the righty walked the bases loaded in the 14th frame, Michael Solbach came through with the game winning single.

Emerson Landoni (1-0) picked up the win in relief. The infielder was forced to throw the last two innings and did not allow a run.

The Stone Crabs continue their series with the Yankees Saturday at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Righty Alex Koronis (7-5) gets the nod for Charlotte opposite Tampa left-hander Jose Quintana (8-0). First pitch is set for 6:00 p.m.

Check out the Charlotte Stone Crabs Statistics

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



Florida State League Stories from July 30, 2011


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