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CarL Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Polanco's Early RBI Triple Gives Cannon Ballers Early Lead in 5-4 Win over Fireflies

July 27, 2022 - Carolina League (CarL)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


KANNAPOLIS, N.C. - Tuesday night's series opener between the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers and the Columbia Fireflies proved to be one of the most well-rounded wins for the Ballers in 2022. Kannapolis held on after getting an early lead to win 5-4 over the Columbia Fireflies at Atrium Health Ballpark.

RHP Jeremiah Burke made his second rehab appearance with the Ballers Tuesday night, tossing 4.0 innings, allowing one run on two hits, striking out two and walking none in a solid performance. RHP Jesus Valles relieved Burke in the fifth, tossing 1.2 innings, allowing four hits, three runs, two walks, and one strikeout.

The Ballers wasted no time in opening the scoring, with Colby Smelley adding an RBI single just three batters into the matchup for Kannapolis to score Misael Gonzalez. Later in the inning, with the bases loaded, Samil Polanco lined a fastball into left field, scoring Wes Kath, Smelley, and Benyamin Bailey to push the Cannon Ballers ahead early 4-0.

Erick Pena got the Fireflies on the board in the top of the second inning, crushing a pitch from Burke into right field for his eighth home run of the season. The solo shot gave Columbia their first run, inching closer at 4-1.

Gonzalez not only scored runs in Tuesday's game, but he also produced a run in the bottom of the third on a bases-loaded walk to extend the Ballers lead to 5-1.

Columbia did not go down without a fight, inching closer to Kannapolis' lead in the top of the sixth. Carter Jensen tallied an RBI single to score Daniel Vazquez, followed by an Omar Hernandez RBI single later in the inning to score Jensen and Enrique Valdez. The two RBI base knocks closed the Fireflies in at 5-4.

The Fireflies tried to tie the game or take the lead, but RHP Adisyn Coffey (S, 4) earned his team-high fourth save of the season with a clean ninth inning of work.

Kannapolis and Columbia will match up in the second of six matchups on Wednesday afternoon at Atrium Health Ballpark. First pitch is set for 12:05 p.m. for the Camp Day duel, with RHP Kohl Simas (2-1, 2.49 ERA) starting for the Cannon Ballers. RHP Shane Panzini (0-2, 3.73 ERA) will begin the night on the bump for Columbia.

Fans can purchase tickets for any upcoming home games at kcballers.com or at the F&M Bank Box Office located at Atrium Health Ballpark.

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Carolina League Stories from July 27, 2022


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