SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Intimidators Take Advantage Of 11 Walks To Win Series

Published on July 31, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (July 31, 2011) -- Reliever Steven Upchurch worked five strong innings, and Kannapolis took advantage of 11 walks as the Intimidators beat the Asheville Tourists, 5-2, claiming the series three games to one.

Upchurch (3-9), who came out of the bullpen for the first time since May 17, allowed one run while scattering eight hits over five innings to earn the win in the longest relief appearance by an Intimidator this season. He struck out five batters while walking two and didn't surrender a run until the eighth inning when the Intimidators held a four-run lead.

Asheville starting pitcher Tyler Matzek matched a career-high with eight walks in five innings on the mound. Matzek (1-3) took the loss, allowing five runs on two hits while striking out six batters. He no- hit Kannapolis through the first four innings but had put five men on base with walks.

Kannapolis broke open a tie-game in the bottom of the fourth. Drew Lee led off the inning with a double, and Rafael Vera and Collin Kuhn each drew their second walk of the game to load the bases. Carlos Sanchez gave the Intimidators their first lead with a two-run double to right field. Kuhn scored on a wild pitch, and Marcus Semien's sac fly cashed Sanchez for a 5-1 lead.

Making his first professional start, Kannapolis' Jon Bachanov struck out the side in the first inning but allowed a double to Dustin Garneau to lead off the second inning. Garneau scored on a wild pitch for a 1-0 Asheville lead. The Intimidators tied the game on Keenyn Walker's RBI-ground out that scored Vera in the third inning.

Bachanov matched a career-high with three innings pitched, allowing a run on two hits with four strikeouts. Closer Jake Wilson worked a 1-2-3 ninth inning for his first save since June 30.

The Intimidators hit the road for four games in Lexington, Ky., against the Legends before returning to Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium for a four-game series against Delmarva starting on Friday, August 5. 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 July 31, 2011


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