Charlotte comeback proves futile in 6-3 loss

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (August 19, 2017) - Michael Brosseau and Thomas Milone each picked up multiple hits, but the Charlotte Stone Crabs' comeback proved futile in a 6-3 loss to the Clearwater Threshers at Charlotte Sports Park.
The Stone Crabs (62-61, 31-24) erased a two-run deficit but eventually blew a lead late.  
With the game scoreless in the top of the second, Clearwater (63-63, 25-31) first baseman Wilson Garcia reached on an infield hit. Two batters later, Edgar Cabral and Jose Pujols both singled to load the bases. With two outs, Emmanuel Marrero dropped a single into left to give the Threshers a 2-0 lead.
Trailing by that margin in the bottom of the third, Charlotte center fielder Thomas Milone singled before David Rodríguez replaced him on a fielder's choice. After a Lucius Fox walk moved Rodriguez to second, David Olmedo-Barrera rolled a single up the middle to make it 2-1.
Still down one in the bottom of the sixth, Fox walked before Brosseau singled to right to put runners at first and second with nobody out. After a flyout, Kevin Padlo blooped a hit to right to load the bases. Nate Lowe responded by spraying a single to left center to give Charlotte a 3-2 lead.
However, Clearwater quickly responded in the seventh. After Fernando Baez (2-2) walked two and hit a batter to load the bases, Mark Laird singled to second against Reece Karalus to give the Threshers a 4-3 lead.
In the top of the ninth, Jose Pujols tacked on a two-run home run to right center to extend the lead to 6-3.
Charlotte starter Brandon Lawson lasted six innings, allowing two runs on five hits while fanning five.
The rubber game of the series takes place at 12:35 p.m. on Sunday. Brock Burke (4-5, 4.80) makes the start for Charlotte against Harold Arauz (4-3, 2.15) of Clearwater. Coverage begins at 12:20 p.m. on the Stone Crabs Baseball Network.