SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Hagerstown Bats Power Past Kannapolis in Series Finale to Take Three of Four

Published on August 15, 2007 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


Kannapolis, NC -- The Hagerstown Suns, 15th in the 16-team South Atlantic League in hits, once again blasted their way past the Kannapolis Intimidators, pounding out 12 runs on 15 hits Wednesday afternoon at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium on their way to a 12-7 win. Hagerstown (18-34, 47-72), the worst team in the league in the second half, won the final three games of the four-game series against Kannapolis (24-28, 56-66).

The beginning of the series against the Suns was thought of as a chance for the Intimidators to get back in the playoff picture. With four games against the Northern Division?s last-place team and then four games coming up against Savannah, the team in the basement of the Southern Division, the Intimidators were to have a stretch of games that could put them in position to close the gap on first-place Asheville when the two teams met August 21st through the 23rd.

But, with losses in the last three days against Hagerstown, that picture of getting back in the playoff chase has become a bit cloudier.

The top of the second inning set the tone on Wednesday afternoon. Five unearned runs scored off Kannapolis starter Jason Rice. Rice did not make it out of the fourth inning, allowing six runs (one earned) on seven hits and four walks.

Kannapolis fought back in the middle innings, scoring six runs in innings three through five. But, Hagerstown kept plugging away, distancing itself every time Kannapolis inched closer. With a 9-6 lead after five, the Suns added three more runs of Intimidators reliever Matt Long in the seventh to put things out of reach.

Each team had 15 hits in the game. Hagerstown was led by Francisco Plasencia, who homered and drove in four runs. Joe Napoli had three doubles and four hits on the afternoon. Kannapolis was paced at the top of the lineup by Sergio Miranda, who had three hits and extended his hitting streak to 10 games, and John Shelby, who extended his hitting streak to 19 games with a double and a single. Brandon Allen and Chris Carter combined to go 0-for-8 with seven strikeouts and two walks.

Kannapolis scored 18 runs on 29 hits the last two games, but allowed 26 runs on 29 hits in losing both games.

The Intimidators have Thursday off and will travel to Savannah Friday to take on the Sand Gnats. Game time from Historic Grayson Stadium Friday night is 7:05 pm.

Season Ticket & Advertising information is available now for the 2007 season. For more information or to join the hometown champs call the Intimidators front office at 704.932.FANS (3267) or visit www.intimidatorsbaseball.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 15, 2007


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