SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Battenfield Dazzles for I's in 2-0 Shutout Win

Published on May 10, 2018 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


The Kannapolis Intimidators (22-11) blanked the Greenville Drive 2-0 Thursday night at Flour Field, as Blake Battenfield (W, 3-1) dazzled on the mound for the I's, while receiving timely run support in the latter innings to earn the series victory.

If his team-low 0.80 WHIP didn't make enough noise coming into the game, Battenfield made his presence known after striking out the side in the second, three of his ten strikeouts on the day. The Oklahoma State alumnus worked 8.0 innings for the manager Justin Jirschele, while only allowing three hits, helping lower his already stellar ERA to a 1.34.

After holding Kannapolis scoreless through six innings, while only giving up four hits, Kutter Crawford (L, 0-2) issued a leadoff walk to Michael Hickman on five pitches, leading to a Johan Cruz triple (1) to right field, giving Battenfield a one-run cushion. One batter later with leadoff hitter Nolan Brown at the plate, the former TCU outfielder hit a sacrifice fly to center fielder Cole Brannen, putting enough air under the ball to bring in Cruz for the Intimidators second run.

One inning later in the eighth, after giving up a leadoff double to Jagger Rusconi, Battenfield recorded his ninth and tenth strikeouts of the night after setting down Kervin Suarez and Frankie Rios. With two outs in the eighth, Samuel Miranda grounded out back to Battenfield after the righty delivered his 82nd pitch of the night, capping off a career night for the 23-year-old pitcher.

In the ninth, the Drive had two runners reach on errors from Johan Cruz and Zach Lewis (S, 2), putting runners at first and third with only one out. But with Victor Acosta at the plate with the tying run on first base, Lewis got a timely 5-4-3 double play to earn his second save of the season and close the door on the Drive, 2-0.

The Intimidators will look for their second sweep over the Drive (8-25) in as many series Friday night at 7:05 p.m. at Flour Field.

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 10, 2018


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