FSL1 Charlotte Stone Crabs

Stone Crabs return the favor with 7-3 win

Published on May 27, 2011 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Charlotte Stone Crabs News Release


PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- After a lopsided loss last night, the Charlotte Stone Crabs bounced back for a decisive 7-3 win over the Tampa Yankees Friday night at Charlotte Sports Park.

Tyler Bortnick returned to form as well, pacing the Charlotte offense. The second baseman picked up two hits in the win, including a key three-run double to put the game out of reach.

Once again, Tampa got on the board first with a run in the third and a Taylor Grote two-run double with two outs in the fourth to give the Yankees a 3-0 advantage.

In the bottom of the frame, Mike Sheridan lifted a sacrifice fly to right to cut the deficit to two. That was just the start of Charlotte's offensive outburst.

After Tampa starter Josh Romanski (3-4) retired the first two hitters in the fifth, Hak-Ju Lee cranked a ground rule double into the gap in right center. Back-to-back walks were followed by a wild pitch that plated Lee. The clutch two-out hit belonged to Greg Sexton, who dropped a two-run single into right field to give the Stone Crabs a 4-3 lead.

Looking to return last night's favor, the Charlotte bats did not stop. With two outs and the bases loaded in the sixth, Bortnick drilled Tampa reliever Francisco Gil's first offering into the left field corner for a bases-clearing double.

Bortnick has had a propensity for those kind of hits this season. The Charlotte second baseman is batting .413 with runners in scoring position. His latest knock increased the Stone Crabs lead to four, which they would not relinquish.

Charlotte starter Alex Koronis (3-1) picked up the win with a quality start, giving up three runs over six innings. The righty did not issue a walk and struck out two.

The bullpen was even more effective as Adam Liberatore and Josh Satow combined for three scoreless innings. The lefty combo allowed just one hit in relief to shut down the T-Yanks order.

Lee extended his hitting streak to eight-games in the win. The Charlotte shortstop registered four hits, boosting his batting average to a league-leading .377.

The Stone Crabs and Yankees continue their series at Charlotte Sports Park Saturday night. Merrill Kelly (2-1) gets the nod for Charlotte opposite Scottie Allen (1-3). First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.

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Florida State League Stories from May 27, 2011


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