SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Intimidators edge Drive on Eveland's walk off single

Published on May 7, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


KANNAPOLIS, N.C. - The Kannapolis Intimidators rallied for three runs in the bottom of the ninth for a thrilling win, 5-4, over the Greenville Drive at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium on Saturday night. Kyle Eveland singled up the middle off Garrett Rau to bring home the winning run from third base.

The Intimidators trailed 4-2 heading into the bottom of the ninth, but Drive reliever Hunter Cervenka walked two batters and hit another to load the bases with one out. Intimidators manager Tommy Thompson inserted Mike Blanke to pinch hit, and the second-year pro laced a two-run single into right-center field to tie the game, 4-4, advancing the winning run to third base. One batter later, Eveland emerged as the hero.

Greenville broke a 2-2 tie in the top of the ninth against Leroy Hunt, who allowed a leadoff double to Drew Hedman, and Lucas LeBlanc singled him home. LeBlanc eventually scored on an Intimidators error, and the Drive took a two-run lead into the bottom of the ninth. Hunt (1-0) earned the win while Cervenka (0-2) was tagged with the loss.

Intimidator starter Jake Petricka matched his season high with nine strikeouts in six innings of work, allowing two runs off five hits with a pair of walks in a no decision. Kevin Moran tossed two hitless innings of relief for Kannapolis.

The Drive took advantage of a leadoff walk to Heiker Meneses in the first inning, as he advanced to second on Sean Coyle's single and moved to third on a passed ball before scoring on a Miles Head groundout. Coyle led off the third inning with a triple, and Bryce Brentz drove him in with an RBI-single, making it 2-0.

The Intimidators answered in the bottom of the third as Trayce Thompson reached on an infield single, and Ross Wilson tripled off the wall to score him. Brady Shoemaker took the first pitch he saw off the wall in right-center to bring home Wilson, tying the game 2-2.

Kannapolis wraps up this four-game series against Greenville on Sunday at 5:05 p.m. at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium. Sunday games are Kids Day, and Intimidators players will be available for pre-game autographs, and kids can run the bases after the game. Tickets are available by calling the box office at (704) 932-3267 or visiting www.IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 7, 2011


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