SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Kannapolis Blows Six-Run Lead, Loses to Hickory 8-7

Published on May 23, 2007 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


Kannapolis, NC - Staked out to a 6-0 after just three innings, the Kannapolis Intimidators could not hold onto the lead, losing to the Hickory Crawdads, 8-7, at L.P. Frans Stadium Wednesday. It was the first game out of three in the series that Kannapolis (23-23) has lost to Hickory (17-26).

The Intimidators jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the top of the first after Francisco Hernandez singled in a run and Stefan Gartrell unleashed a three-run home run to left field. Archie Gilbert hit a solo shot in the second and Hernandez followed suit in the third with a solo home run of his own. Mike Grace added a solo shot in the sixth. The four home runs was a season high for the Intimidators.

However, the Intimidators committed a season-high four errors in the field, which the Crawdads parlayed into five unearned runs. Kannapolis starter Matt Long gave up four runs in the fourth, with two being unearned. Carlos Perez gave up three runs (one earned) in one inning of work. Kanekoa Texeira (3-1), who took his first loss of the season, gave up an earned run in the eighth on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Jonel Pacheco.

Hancer Vargas accounted for two of the fielding blunders, giving him nine in 19 games this season with Kannapolis. Mike Grace had one over at third base, and Archie Gilbert had one in left field.

With Kannapolis up 7-6 entering the bottom of the seventh, Texeira came on after Perez allowed the leadoff man, Wanell Macia, aboard with Grace's throwing error. After Texeira struck out the first two batters he faced, he issued a walk to Eddie Prasch, a single to Alex Presley, and a single to Cameron Blair. Macia scored on the single, but Gilbert threw out Prasch at home plate to preserve the tie. Gilbert had two outfield assists on the night. Pacheco's sac fly in the eighth put Hickory up for the first time all night.

Kannapolis went down in order in the ninth against Hickory closer Olivo Astacio, who notched his sixth save in seven chances.

The fourth and final game of the series will be back at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium Thursday night. Game time for Thirsty Thursday and Merchant's Night will be 7:05 pm.

Season Ticket & Advertising information is available now for the 2007 season. For more information or to join the hometown champs call the Intimidators front office at 704.932.FANS (3267) or visit www.intimidatorsbaseball.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 23, 2007


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