Early errors doom Suns

May 20, 2009 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hagerstown Suns News Release

KANNOPLOIS, NC -- Four errors in the first four innings led to an early 5-1 deficit, and the Hagerstown Suns (18-18) fell to the Kannapolis Intimidators (20-19) for the second consecutive night, losing 9-4.

Paul Demny (1-2) started his fourth game for the Suns and had his shortest outing on the season. Demny pitched three innings and took the mound in the fourth, but was unable to record an out, leaving the game with the score 3-1 in favor of Kannapolis. Austin Garrett came into the game with two runners on and no outs, and allowed a two-run single to the first batter he faced, giving the Intimidators all the runs they would need on the afternoon.

The Suns, meanwhile, were relatively quiet at the plate through the first six innings, mustering just one run on six hits. The Suns got back into the game in the seventh when, up by five runs, the Intimidators went to the pen and brought in lefty Garret Johnson. With one out, shortstop Nick Arata reached on an error, and second baseman Steve Lombardozzi walked to bring up designated hitter Derek Norris. Norris hit the first pitch of the at-bat to deep left-center for a three-run home run, pulling the Suns to within two at 6-4.

The round-tripper was Norris's eighth of the season, tying him for the South Atlantic League lead. The three runs batted in raised his season total to 28, second in the SAL.

In the eighth inning, Kannapolis rebuilt its lead with three runs on four hits, highlighted by a two-run double by catcher John Curtis that put the Intimidators on top, 9-4.

Both starters factored in the decision, as Demny was saddled with the loss, and Charles Leesman (4-2) picked up the win for Kannapolis, hurling five and two-third innings and allowing only one run.

The Suns will look to salvage a split of the four-game series against the Intimidators on Thursday, with a 7:05 start time. The next day, the Suns return to Municipal Stadium for an eight-game homestand, headed off by a Friday Night Fireworks show.

The Hagerstown Suns play at Municipal Stadium in Hagerstown, MD and are a Class "A" affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Ticket packages and sponsorships are available by calling the Suns at 301-791-6266. Visit the Suns on the web at www.hagerstownsuns.com. The Suns are owned by Los Angeles based Mandalay Baseball Properties.

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 20, 2009

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• Riverdogs top Legends, 8-7 - Lexington Legends
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• John Smoltz Set to Rehab with the Greenville Drive - Greenville Drive
• Kannapolis bats come alive in 9-4 win - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
• RiverDogs Add Pirela and Lose Angelini - Charleston RiverDogs
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