SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Gonzalez Blocks out the Suns at the Plate

Published on August 21, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (Aug. 21, 2011) -- The Kannapolis Intimidators fought off the Hagerstown Suns in the ninth inning, holding on to win 2-1 in the series finale at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium on Sunday evening. Kannapolis took three of four games against Hagerstown in the final series between the two teams fighting for the Northern Division's final playoff spot.

Trayce Thompson and Miguel Gonzalez combined to drive in both Intimidators runs, and teamed up for an impressive outfield assist in the sixth inning to preserve an Intimidators 1-0 lead. With one out and a runner, Chris Curran, on third base, Blake Kelso flew out to Thompson in mid-centerfield. Curran tagged up and headed home as Thompson unleashed a strike from the outfield that reached Gonzalez on the fly ahead of Cullin, who unsuccessfully tried to jar the ball out of Gonzalez' grasp in an attempt to tie the game.

Thompson followed an intentional walk to Dan Black with what turned out to be the game-winning run on a first-pitch single to left field, scoring Keenyn Walker from second base in the top of the eighth inning for a 2-0 lead.

Hagerstown added a run in the top of the ninth inning on Kevin Keyes' sac fly to cash Adrian Sanchez, but Justin Collop struck out Jason Martinson with the tying run on first base to end the game for his second save of the series and of the season. Collop worked three innings, allowing one run on three hits with two walks and a strikeout to preserve a win for Jon Bachanov. Bachanov (2-2) made his first career-quality start, working a career-high six innings of shut out baseball, allowing three hits while striking out three.

Kannapolis got on the board in the fifth inning. Rangel Ravelo reached base on an infield single and advanced to third on Marcus Semien's ground rule double. Gonzalez knocked a sacrifice fly to deep right field, cashing Ravelo for a 1-0 lead.

Hagerstown's Chris McKenzie (4-5) took the loss, allowing two runs on five hits in 3 and 2/3 innings with five strikeouts and a walk. Starter Robbie Ray worked four shutout innings, allowing one hit and striking out seven batters.

Kannapolis hits the road for 10 games in nine days in Augusta and Rome before returning to The Cannon for the final home stand of the regular season on Thursday, September 1. For ticket information, call the box office at (704) 932-3267 or visit www.IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 21, 2011


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