SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Kannapolis Gives up Two Runs in Ninth, Loses See-Saw Battle to West Virginia

May 30, 2007 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


Kannapolis, NC -- The West Virginia Power scored two ninth-inning runs on a Kenny Holmberg single to win 9-8 against the Kannapolis Intimidators Wednesday morning at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium. With four lead changes in the game, West Virginia (35-15) took a two-games-to-none lead on Kannapolis (24-29) in the series.

Neither starting pitcher fared well with a 10:05 am start. Kannapolis starter Justin Edwards could not build off six shutout innings in his last start. The lefty allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits and six walks in 4.2 innings. For West Virginia, starter Roque Mercedes gave up five runs (four earned) on six hits in four innings.

With both bullpens being taxed, it was West Virginia's relievers that imploded the least. Luis Ramirez came in and delivered three shutout innings off the bat, but struggled in his fourth inning. That is when Omar Aguilar came in and allowed both inherited runners to score and another unearned run to score in a three-run eighth for Kannapolis.

Out of the Intimidators bullpen, Steve Spurgeon threw 3.1 innings, allowing three runs on five hits. Spurgeon handed off an 8-7 lead to Clevelan Santeliz in the ninth after Kannapolis scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth. The go-ahead run came in on a wild pitch with Mike Grace on third base.

Santeliz allowed the two-run single to Holmberg, making it the sixth straight appearance Santeliz has allowed two or more runs, totaling 15 runs in 11 innings. His ERA, in that span, went from 4.74 to 6.90 after he blew his first save Wednesday. Santeliz took the loss, dropping to 0-3 on the year.

A trio of Intimidators had multi-hit games, with John Shelby, Stefan Gartrell, and Mike Grace each tallying two hits apiece. Rob Hudson has now hit in all four games since his return from the disabled list, as he went 1-for-5 with an RBI double. Archie Gilbert extended his hitting streak to six games with a solo home run in the third inning.

Kannapolis has now lost seven of its last eight games, while West Virginia has won five in a row.

After getting the rest of the afternoon off, the Intimidators and the Power will square off in the third game of the series Thursday. Game time is set for 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 30, 2007


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