SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Intimidators Fall in Extras, Swept by Delmarva

Published on June 15, 2016 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


SALLISBURY, MD - The Kannapolis Intimidators battled back to tie the Delmarva Shorebirds in the fifth inning Wednesday night at Arthur W Stadium, but were outlasted in an 11 inning 4-3 loss.

The loss handed the Intimidators their second straight series sweep and stretched their season long losing streak to seven games.

Intimidators (23-43) starter Zach Thompson was tested immediately by Shorebirds (38-26) hitters. Cedric Mullins lined Thompson's first pitch of the night to the gap in left center for a triple. Three batters later Yermin Mercedes slugged his sixth homer of the season over the wall in left for an early 3-0 lead.

The Intimidators had little to show during their first three innings against Delmarva starter Brian Gonzalez, but finally got to the lefty for a run in the fourth. The following inning, Kannapolis tagged Gonzalez for two more runs to tie the game at three. Tyler Sullivan capped the rally with a triple to right that brought home Kyle Ruchim.

Both Ruchim and Sullivan had multi-hit games for the Intimidators. Sullivan going 2-for-4 with a triple, an RBI, and a run scored while Ruchim collected his first multi-hit game of the year with a 2-for-5 night with a double and a run scored.

The game settled into a battle of bullpens from the fifth inning onward. Drew Hassler, Alex Katz, and Dylan Barrow threw shut out baseball for Kannapolis over 5 and 1/3 innings.

The Shorebirds bullpen matched the Intimidators stinginess with five shutout innings of their own. Relievers Ryan Meisinger and Elias Pinales combined to hold the hold Kannapolis batters in check. Pinales (3-0) final two innings of shutout ball were good enough to earn the win.

In the bottom of the 11, the Intimidators bullpen blinked first. Barrow (0-1) allowed the leadoff batter, Ademer Rifaela to reach, and then set down the next two he faced. With two out in the inning, Ryan Mountcastle sliced a single to right for the walk-off winner.

The Intimidators continue the seven game road trip with the first of four against the Lakewood BlueClaws Thursday night at 7:05 pm. Kannapolis will send RHP Brannon Easterling (3-1, 2.20 ERA) to the mound against Lakewood's RHP Drew Anderson (1-1, 1.31 ERA). The Intimidators return home for a seven game home stand beginning June 23agains the Delmarva Shorebirds following the All-Star break. For tickets and promotional information, call the F&M Bank Box Office or 704-932-3267 or visit IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 15, 2016


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