SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Rain Aids Intimidators in Win Over Crawdads

Published on June 25, 2007 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


Kannapolis, NC - If only every game could last just an hour and 10 minutes?

The Kannapolis Intimidators got through four and a half innings with a lead Monday night against the Hickory Crawdads and Mother Nature got the save, as the Intimidators (3-2, 34-40) beat the Crawdads (2-3, 29-43), 2-1, in a rain-shortened victory at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium.

The weather in the Kannapolis area through much of the day was hot and humid, but turned to overcast skies shortly before gametime. Once the game was underway, overcast turned to dark skies, claps of thunder, and bolts of lightning in the distance. The rain held off until the Intimidators could use it to its advantage.

After Kannapolis starter Matt Long whisked through the Hickory lineup in the top of the fifth inning by striking out the side, the tarp was laid on the field as rain began to fall and thunder and lightning drew even closer.

It was not until 27 minutes after the delay that the game was called and the Intimidators were declared victors.

Long (5-1) had, arguably, his best start of the year, albeit an abbreviated one. He retired the final eight batters he faced, collecting four strikeouts in that span. After a 16-pitch first inning, he threw just 44 in the next four innings. Even though he got the win, it was the kind of night where he looked like he could have gone seven or eight strong.

Offensively, the Intimidators got a run in the second on a throwing error from Hickory pitcher Henry Cabrera and another run in the third on a Lee Cruz double.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, it appeared as if the Intimidators sense the ominous weather on the horizon, as Matt Sharp and Scotty Madsen both were retired on first-pitch swings and John Anderson grounded out on four pitches.

Long did his part in the fifth and the rain arrived just in time to make it a quick and easy night for the Intimidators.

Game two will be played in Hickory at L.P. Frans Stadium Tuesday night. Game time is set for 7:00 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 June 25, 2007


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