SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Intimidators Rally with Walks in 8th Inning

Published on June 1, 2012 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (June 1, 2012) -- The Intimidators took their first lead of the game thanks to a four-run rally in the eighth inning en route to a 10-7 win over the Lakewood BlueClaws (19-35) on Friday night at CMC-NorthEast Stadium. Kannapolis (26-28) won it's seventh straight game.

Down 7-6 with one out and runners on the corners in the bottom of the eighth, Lakewood reliever Jim Birmingham's throwing error to second base allowed the tying run to score from third. Bill Rice reached on an infield single to load the bases. David Herbek, Garis Pena and Keenyn Walker all drew bases loaded walks off Birmingham to pull ahead for the first time, 10-7.

Bryan Blough (1-1) worked a scoreless eighth inning and gave up a leadoff single in the ninth before striking out the final three batters to slam the door and earn the win.

The BlueClaws broke a 6-6 tie in the seventh inning when Jeff Soptic walked consecutive batters, and Harold Martinez grounded out to bring home the go-ahead run.

Intimidators starter Matt Lane struck out a career-high six batters over five innings in his third career start. He allowed six runs (two earned) on seven hits in a no decision.

BlueClaws reliever Yari Sosa (0-1) took the loss, allowing three runs (two earned) on three hits with two walks and a strikeout in his season debut.

Lakewood took advantage of a first-inning error by Garis Pena as Christopher Duffy's two-out double brought home two runs for a 2-0 BlueClaws lead.

Rangel Ravelo led off the bottom of the second inning with home run (2) to cut the BlueClaws lead in half. Later in the inning, Keenyn Walker doubled down the left field line to bring home David Herbek -- who reached earlier on a fielders choice -- to tie the game 2-2.

Harold Martinez broke the tie with a two-run single in the third inning and scored on a Bob Stumpo base hit for a BlueClaws 5-2 lead.

Lakewood extended their lead to 6-2 before Mark Haddow blasted a three- run home run (4) in the fifth inning to pull the Intimidators within a run. Walker singled to lead off the sixth, stole second, moved on third on Grant Buckner's sacrifice bunt and scored on a Kevan Smith sac-fly to tie the game, 6-6.

The Intimidators and BlueClaws continue this four-game series on Saturday 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 June 1, 2012


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