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CarL Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Atwood Plays Hero Again with Three-Run Homer in 5-3 Win Sunday over Carolina

July 10, 2022 - Carolina League (CarL)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


KANNAPOLIS, N.C. - For the second time in a row, the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers tallied a big offensive inning in the eighth, pulling off a 5-3 win on an overcast and rainy Sunday afternoon at Atrium Health Ballpark.

After a 35-minute rain delay, RHP Jared Kelley tossed the first pitch of the ballgame to begin his season-high five innings of work. The highly touted White Sox prospect delivered two strikeouts and one walk, allowing no runs on two hits. RHP Jesus Valles (W, 3-0) relieved Kelley in the sixth, earning a big victory with four relief innings, allowing three runs on four hits, not walking or striking out any Mudcat batters.

The beginning of the ballgame was a tough stretch for both sides, with Kannapolis and Carolina unable to find a stride offensively.

The Mudcats finally broke through in the top of the seventh inning, grabbing two runs on a Hedbert Perez RBI double, scoring Jeferson Quero and Jackson Chourio. Later in the inning, Oswal Leones added an RBI single, scoring Perez to give Carolina a substantial 3-0 lead late.

In true Cannon Baller fashion, Kannapolis did not give up, fighting back for a five-run eighth inning. Colby Smelley started the party with an RBI single to score Wilber Sanchez, followed by a DJ Gladney RBI double that scored Wes Kath. The Ballers found themselves trailing by one run with two on and Andy Atwood at the plate. On a 1-1 pitch from Mudcats reliever RHP Miguel Guerrero, Atwood crushed his second home run in as many games, his third on the season, to push the Ballers ahead 5-3 late.

Valles needed just three pitches to close out the ninth inning, giving Kannapolis their fifth consecutive victory in the fastest game in Atrium Health Ballpark history at one hour and 57 minutes.

Kannapolis will take a much-deserved day off Monday before taking a quick trip to Salem, Virginia for a six-game set with the Red Sox, Low-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. At worst, the Ballers will make the trip to Salem one game back of the South division leading Columbia Fireflies.

Fans can purchase tickets for any upcoming home games at kcballers.com or at the F&M Bank Box Office located at Atrium Health Ballpark.

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Carolina League Stories from July 10, 2022


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