SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Intimidators Lose Lead in Ninth, Game in 10th, 8-7

Published on June 8, 2010 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


SAVANNAH, GA - For the fourth time this season, the Savannah Sand Gnats walk off with an extra innings victory as they pulled back a 7-6 ninth inning deficit and won the game in the bottom of the tenth against the Kannapolis Intimidators in the final game of a four game series.

In the ninth inning, the Intimidators were up by one and Brandon Kloess was in the game, who hadn't allowed a run to score since April 26th. Kloess hit Cesar Puello with a pitch and he went to third on a wild pickoff throw to first. Puello would then score on a single by Luis Rivera. After a sacrifice bunt put Rivera on second, a single and an intentional walk loaded the bases with one down for Wilmer Flores. Flores smashed one back off the arm of Kloess and it kicked over to Rafael Vera the third baseman who threw home in time to get Rivera. Kloess had to exit the game, and JR Ballinger ended the inning, getting Juan Lagaras to fly out to right.

In the tenth inning off Ballinger, Kai Gronauer reached on an error by Jesus Villegas and went to second on a sacrifice bunt. With one down, Puello hit a bloop single to right field, scoring Gronauer and winning the game for the fourth time in eight contest this season in extra innings.

Matt Hopps started the game and went six innings allowing five runs, four earned and fell behind 5-1 after the first three innings were played. In the fourth off Jimmy Fulller, he allowed three walks and three singles and exited after his shortest outing of the season with the bases loaded and three runs already in. Samuel Martinez allowed only a sacrifice fly making it a 5-5 ballgame after the inning, keeping the Sand Gnats (35-25) in prime position to still win the game.

In the sixth inning, Miguel Gonzalez hit a double, followed by a Zach Kayne triple, who scored on a ground ball to give the Intimidators a 7-5 lead, but that lead would not hold as the Intimidators (28-31) lost the lead and eventually the game in extras.

The Intimidators have lost two games in each four game series to the Sand Gnats in extras and have lost one-run leads twice in the ninth inning or later.

The Intimidators will have their first scheduled off day in 28 days on Wednesday and then open a three game series with the Asheville Tourists at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium on Thursday at 7:05 pm.

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 8, 2010


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