SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Suns Hot Early, Hang on Late to Top Intimidators

Published on May 17, 2013 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


KANNAPOLIS, N.C. - The Kannapolis Intimidators couldn't overcome a five-run first inning by the Hagerstown Suns, falling 9-7 on Friday at CMC-NorthEast Stadium, the team's fifth straight loss. Kannapolis (14-24) brought the winning run to the plate in the ninth inning before first-place Hagerstown (24-14) slammed the door.

The Intimidators loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth, trailing 9-6, and brought the winning run to the plate. With one out, Zach Fisher's sac-fly cashed Kale Kiser, pulling the Intimidators within two. Patrick Palmeiro, who enjoyed his best offensive day of the season going 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored, flew out to end the game, stranding the tying run on base.

The Suns jumped in front with a five-run first, highlighted by Khayyan Norfork's first home run of the season, a three-run blast to left field. Tony Renda led off the game with a ground-rule double and scored on a Shawn Pleffner sac-fly. Renda finished 3-5 with two doubles and two runs scored.

Kyle Hansen, making his second career start for the Intimidators, took advantage of solid defense behind him, facing the minimum in the second and third innings before giving up another run in the fourth and finishing his night after 4 2/3 innings. He gave up a leadoff double to Renda in the fifth inning and an RBI-double to Shawn Pleffner two batters later. With one on and two out, Brandon Miller chased Hansen from the game with a two-run home run (9), his second of the series. Hansen (0-1) allowed nine runs on nine hits in the loss.

Hagerstown starter Ivan Pineyro (3-2) worked 6 2/3 innings to secure the win. Robert Benincasa came in with two on and no outs in the ninth to preserve the win for the save (8).

Micah Johnson, the Minor League leader in stolen bases added his 37th swiped bag in the ninth inning. The White Sox ninth round pick in last June's draft also showcased fancy glove-work at second base, using a glove-flip on a ball that ricocheted off Palmeiro's glove at first base, retiring Mike McQuillan on a 3-4-3 putout to end the second inning.

Braulio Ortiz and Joe Dvorsky combined to work 4 1/3 scoreless relief innings for Kannapolis, each striking out three along the way.

The Intimidators and Suns take the field for Game 3 of the 4-game series on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. as RHP Jake Cose (2-3, 1.77) takes the mound for the Intimidators. For ticket information, call the F&M Bank Box Office or visit IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

Check out the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers Statistics

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



South Atlantic League Stories from May 17, 2013


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