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CarL Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Ballers Earn Third Consecutive Victory with a 5-0 Shutout Win over the Carolina Mudcats

July 9, 2022 - Carolina League (CarL)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


KANNAPOLIS, N.C. - Backed by a combined 15 strikeouts by Ballers pitching and an early pair of home runs, the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers earned their third consecutive victory with a 5-0 shutout win over the Carolina Mudcats Friday night at Atrium Health Ballpark.

RHP Norge Vera produced his best start of the season Friday night, striking out eight in 3.2 innings, walking one and allowing six hits. RHP Liam Jenkins (W, 1-0) earned his first victory of 2022 with a 2.1 inning shutout outing. Four bullpen arms for Kannapolis combined to allow just two hits in 5.1 innings of action late in the ballgame.

The Ballers used a quick first inning to set the tone for the rest of the night, taking a 1-0 lead on a Wilfred Veras RBI groundout, scoring Wilber Sanchez. Veras now has an RBI in seven of the 13 games in the second half, with Kannapolis holding an undefeated 7-0 record when such occurs.

Later in the first inning, DJ Gladney mashed a two-run homer into left field, scoring Colby Smelley on his team leading 15th home run of 2022. The big play from Gladney pushed Kannapolis ahead of Carolina 3-0 after one inning.

James Beard added insurance runs in the bottom of the second inning, tallying his fourth home run of the season with a two-run shot to left field, scoring Benyamin Bailey. Beard's blast added cushion to Kannapolis' lead, making it 5-0 after two innings of action.

Kannapolis and Carolina will do business again in the fifth of six matchups on the week on Saturday night at Atrium Health Ballpark. First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m., with postgame fireworks planned for all fans to enjoy. RHP Noah Owen (4-7, 5.43 ERA) will begin the night on the bump for the Ballers, with the Mudcats tossing RHP Carlos Rodriguez (2-3, 3.46 ERA) for the Saturday night matchup.

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 9, 2022


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