SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Isler Ices Rome in Late Innings

Published on June 14, 2013 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (June 14, 2013) -- The Kannapolis Intimidators won consecutive home games for the first time this season, topping the Rome Braves 6-4 on Friday night at CMC-NorthEast Stadium. Zach Isler worked 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief for Kannapolis to earn the win, retiring three straight batters to end the game after allowing a leadoff hit in the top of the ninth.

Isler (3-2) came in with two on and two out in the seventh inning and the Braves threatening to reclaim the lead, but he struck out Joey Meneses looking to end the inning.

Kannapolis took its second lead of the night, breaking a 4-4 in the home half of the seventh. Patrick Palmeiro, Eric Grabe and Jeremy Dowdy opened the inning with three straight singles for a 5-4 lead, chasing Rome starter Frank Lafreniere from the game. Lafreniere (3-5) took the loss, giving up five runs (four earned) on nine hits.

Jason Coats added an insurance run in the eighth inning, leading off with a triple and scoring on a passed ball for a 6-4 lead.

The Intimidators trailed 3-1 heading into the bottom of the sixth but left the frame with a 4-3 advantage. Micah Johnson tripled to right- center field, his South Atlantic League-leading eighth of the season, and Michael Johnson drove him home to pull within a run. Two batters later, Michael Marjama cranked a two-out, two-run home run, his second of the year.

Rome evened the score, 4-4, in the top of the seventh on a Ronald Luna two-out single off Storm Throne, chasing him from the game.

Michael Johnson twice drove in Micah Johnson, on a game-tying double in the third and on a base hit in the sixth innings. The Johnsons finished with two hits apiece, and Micah stole his Minor League- leading 53rd base of the season after a first inning double.

Kannapolis starter Kyle Hansen stuck out a career-high-tying seven batters over 5 2/3 innings in a no decision. He gave up three runs on nine hits while walking one. Storm Throne worked an inning of relief before giving way to Isler in the seventh.

The Braves struck first with a run in the top of the third inning. Blake Brown led off with a walk and scored on Jose Peraza's infield single for a 1-0 lead. Peraza broke a 1-1 tie two innings later with another infield single, again bringing home Brown. Peraza finished 3- for-5 with three infield singles.

The Intimidators continue this series against the Braves on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. with post-game fireworks presented by F&M Bank. Kannapolis can clinch a series win with a victory. For ticket and promotional information, fans can call the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or visit intimidatorsbaseball.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 14, 2013


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