SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Ninth Inning Rally Solidifies Win for Dunning

Published on April 18, 2017 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Dane Dunning spun six scoreless innings, and the Intimidators used a ninth-inning rally to pull away from the Tourists in a 6-1 win on Tuesday night at McCormick Field. Kannapolis (5-8), which pounded out 10 hits on the night included three doubles, secured a series victory and will play for a sweep on Wednesday.

Dunning (1-0), the White Sox No. 11 Prospect entering this season according to Baseball America, struck out five batters over 6.0 innings, limiting the Tourists to four hits and a walk, to earn the win. The right-hander lowered his ERA to 0.45 with the strong performance.

Holding a 2-1 lead heading into the ninth, Kannapolis added four insurance runs - all with two outs - in the top of the frame. Micker Adolfo and Antonio Rodriguez hit back-to-back 2-out doubles to left-center field, with Rodriguez driving in Adolfo for a 3-1 advantage. Grant Massey followed with a base hit, and Tyler Sullivan drove in two with a double to center field. Joel Booker added an RBI-single to cash Sullivan to complete the 4-run rally.

Mike Morrison spun a 1-2-3 frame in the ninth to close the game.

The Intimidators took advantage of a shaky inning by Tourists starting pitching Antonio Santos for a pair of runs in the third inning. Grant Massey and Mitch Roman each walked, sandwiching a Joel Booker single, to load the bases with one out. Santos uncorked a wild pitch, scoring Massey, and Brandon Dulin grounded out to cash Booker for a 2-0 lead. Santos (0-2) suffered the loss, allowing two runs on five hits with six strikeouts and two walks.

The teams traded scoreless innings until the bottom of the eighth when Asheville got on the board. Vince Fernandez blasted an Alex Katz pitch over the right-center field wall for a home run (4), cutting the Intimidators lead in half, 2-1.

Kannapolis wraps up this 3-game series on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. as LHP Bernardo Flores (1-1, 4.66 ERA) takes the ball for the I's against Asheville's RHP Riley Pint (0-1, 3.86 ERA). The Intimidators return home on Thursday, April 20, to open a 4-game series in Kannapolis against Hickory. Thursday's game is Gamer Night where one lucky fan will win a Play Station 4. It's also Thirsty Thursday with discounted drinks all game long. Tickets are available by calling the F&M Bank Box Office at 704-932-3267 or by visiting IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 18, 2017


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