SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Kannapolis Rallies for 5 Runs in 8th to Cook Crawdads

Published on June 30, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (June 30, 2011) -- The Kannapolis Intimidators scored five runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to avoid being swept by the Hickory Crawdads, defeating the in-state rivals, 6-5, at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium on Thursday night. All three Intimidators coaches were ejected in the top of the sixth for arguing calls that aided the Crawdads 4-run inning.

Catcher Miguel Gonzalez drove a full-count, two-out pitch up the middle to break a tie game and give the Intimidators a 6-4 lead in the bottom of the eighth inning. Closer Jake Wilson surrendered a run in the ninth inning and allowed the go-ahead run on base before retiring Jurickson Profar to end the game and complete the come-from-behind victory.

Trailing 4-1 with the bases loaded and no outs in the bottom of the eighth, Dan Black singled up the middle to score a run, and Trayce Thompson's sacrifice fly cut the deficit to one run with one out. Juan Silverio doubled to left-centerfield to tie the game and leave runners in scoring position to set up Gonzalez's hit to claim the lead.

In the top of the sixth, Jhonny Gomez led off with a single to centerfield, tried to stretch for a double when the ball bounced off center fielder Trayce Thompson, and injured himself retreating to first base. Matt Heidenreich's relay to first sailed wide, bouncing off the wall in front of the first row of seats and back into the field of play. Umpires ruled a two-base error and awarded Gomez third base. Intimidators manager Tommy Thompson was ejected arguing the runner being awarded extra bases, insisting the ball didn't leave the field of play on the overthrow.

Andrew Clark replaced the injured Gomez at third base, and two batters later Jurickson Profar drove a ball deep down the right field line that appeared to leave the yard in foul territory, but the home plate umpire ruled a home run, giving the Crawdads a 2-1 lead. Intimidators Pitching Coach Jose Bautista was ejected arguing the call, and one batter later umpires tossed Hitting Coach Charles Poe as he emerged from the dugout to argue a close play at second base. The Crawdads went on to score four runs in the frame as Josh Richmond's RBI-triple completed the team-cycle in the inning.

The game actually began as a pitching duel. Intimidators starter Matt Heidenreich tossed five scoreless innings out of the gate, and Crawdads hurler Matt Thompson matched him until the bottom of the fifth. Thompson showed cracks in the bottom of the fifth, allowing a leadoff double to Gonzlaez, who advanced to third and scored on a pair of wild pitches. Thompson finished the game with four wild pitches, increasing his league-leading total to 22.

Kannapolis reliever Nick McCully (2-1) earned the win going 1 2/3 scoreless, hitless innings, and Wilson struck out two batters on the way to his sixth save of the season. Hickory reliever Jorge Marban (1-2) took the loss, allowing five runs (two earned) in two-thirds of an inning.

The Intimidators begin a three-game series against the Asheville Tourists on Friday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium. For tickets, please call the box office at (704) 932-3267 or visit www.IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 30, 2011


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