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SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Hankerd 3-run bomb breaks BlueClaws

May 31, 2012 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


KANNAPOLIS, N.C. - Cyle Hankerd blasted a 3-run walk-off home run to cap a 6-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning as the Kannapolis Intimidators rallied past the Lakewood BlueClaws, 9-8, on Thursday at CMC-NorthEast Stadium. Hankerd's game-winning home run was his second of the game, finishing his night 2-for-4 with four RBI.

Trailing 8-3 entering the bottom of the ninth, Leighton Pangilinan singled to lead off the inning, and Keenyn Walker and Ross Wilson drew walks to load the bases. Kevan Smith started the rally with a two-run single, followed by a Mark Haddow RBI-hit to bring the winning run to the plate in Hankerd.

Intimidators reliever Jason Van Skike (2-0) earned his second win in as many appearances despite allowing a pair of runs over the eighth and ninth innings. Lakewood's Matt Campbell (1-2) took the loss, allowing six runs in the ninth.

Lakewood plated three runs in the first inning on three hits and taking advantage of three Myles Jaye walks. Gauntlett Eldemire and Alejandro Villalobos led off the second inning with hits, and Aaron Altherr and Christopher Duffy drove them in for a 5-0 lead.

Two of the newest Intimidators, Hankerd and Bill Rice hit solo home runs in the bottom of the second inning to put Kannapolis on the board, 5-2. After Lakewood got a run back in the top of the third, the Intimidators responded in the bottom of the frame. Walker drew a walk, moved to second on a ground out, stole third and came home on an errant throw by Lakewood's catcher, making it 6-3 BlueClaws.

Kevin Vance worked five strong innings of relief of Myles Jaye, allowing a run on five hits to keep the Intimidators in the game. Jaye allowed five runs on six hits in two innings of work.

Hankerd's game-ending home run was the second for Kannapolis in as many days. Garis Pena propelled the Intimidators to a 5-4 extra-innings win over the Rome Braves in Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader.

The Intimidators and BlueClaws continue this four-game series on Friday night at CMC-NorthEast Stadium at 7:05 p.m. as Kannapolis sends LHP Matt Lane to the mound against Lakewood's LHP Lino Martinez. 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 May 31, 2012


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