SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Patience at the Plate Pays off for Intimidators

Published on April 14, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


SALISBURY, Maryland (April 14, 2011) - The Kannapolis Intimidators took advantage of timely free passes from the Delmarva Shorebirds pitching staff en route to a 9-5 win at Perdue Stadium on Thursday night. The Intimidators scored four runs off of bases-loaded walks or hit batters and completed the series sweep, improving to 6-1 on the young season.

The offense came to life early for Kannapolis as RF Kenny Gilbert connected on a three-run homerun (1) in the top of the second off Shorebirds starter Tim Adleman for an early 3-0 lead. Gilbert finished the game 1-for-4 with 4 RBI.

The Intimidators traded in power for patience at the plate in the third inning. Adleman hit 2B Ross Wilson to lead off the inning, and LF Brady Shoemaker singled him over to second. After consecutive outs, the DH Juan Silverio's single loaded the bases. Needing only one out to get out of the jam, Adleman walked Gilbert and 3B Jesse Oester and hit SS Kyle Eveland, giving the Intimidators three more runs, extending the lead to 6-0.

Delmarva responded with two runs in the bottom of the third on RBI groundouts from Trent Mummey and Mychael Givens.

Trailing 7-2 in the bottom of the seventh, Delmarva's offense showed signs of life. With a runner on first and two outs, Kipp Shutz singled and Intimidators LHP Miguel Negron walked Kieron Pope to load the bases. Jonathan Schoop singled to right field, however Gilbert misplayed the ball, giving all three runners the opportunity to score, putting the Shorebirds back within striking distance, 7-5.

Kannapolis remained even-keel, however, loading the bases in the eighth off Cameron Roth before Jason Gurka took the mound and plunked Shoemaker, bringing home another run for the Intimidators. Silverio led off the top of the ninth with his third homerun of the season as Kannapolis pulled away, 9-5.

Manager Tommy Thompson allowed his bullpen to work this game, as RHP Steven Upchurch made his first start of the season, working three innings and striking out five batters before RHP Chase Cooney (1-0) took over with three scoreless innings pitched, earning the win. Negron worked the seventh inning, and RHP Jake Wilson shut down the Shorebirds over the final two innings.

The Intimidators return to Kannapolis on Friday for the team's home opener against the Hickory Crawdads at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium. RHP Jake Petricka will take the mound for Kannapolis against Hickory's RHP Matt Thompson. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m.

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 14, 2011


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