SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Robbins Drives in Career-High 4 in Comeback Win

Published on September 3, 2015 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (September 3, 2015) -Mason Robbins drove in a career-high four runs on three hits and the Intimidators rallied for six runs over their final two at-bats in a 10-6 win over the West Virginia Power on Thursday at Intimidators Stadium supported by Carolinas HealthCare System. Kannapolis (29-36-1 Second Half, 63-70-1) trailed 6-4 before scoring two in the seventh and four in the eighth en route to a series-opening victory.

Robbins finished 3-4 with four RBI and his team-leading ninth triple, which is tied for fifth-most in the South Atlantic League, while Connor Walsh (2-3) earned the win with 3 and 2/3 innings of scoreless relief. Toby Thomas scored three runs, going 2-3 at the plate and the go-ahead RBI in the eighth inning on a bases-loaded walk.

After West Virginia scored the game's first run in the top of the second inning, Kannapolis responded with four runs in the home half of the frame. The first four Intimidators all hit safely and scored in the inning, with Robbins driving in Alexander Simon and Thomas on a triple. John Ziznewski followed with an RBI-single and later scored on a wild pitch for a 4-1 lead.

The Power took advantage of Intimidators errors to add five unearned runs off starting pitcher Kelvis Valerio in the fourth and fifth inning. Pablo Reyes doubled to drive in two runs for a 5-4 lead, and Tyler Filliben singled to cash Reyes for a 6-4 advantage in the fifth.

The Intimidators tied the game in the home half of the seventh inning when Thomas scored on a Ziznewski groundout and Ryan Plourde followed with a game-tying single to plate Robbins. With the game tied 6-6 and Thomas at the plate with bases loaded, the Intimidators shortstop drew a walk off Power reliever Jared Lakind to push Michael Suiter across the plate for a 7-6 lead. Robbins added a two-run single up the middle, and Thomas later crossed the plate on a passed ball for a 10-6 lead.

Walsh, who opened with three near-spotless innings, loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth before Ryan Riga retired the final West Virginia batter for the save (2). Lakind (2-1) suffered the loss.

Power starting pitcher Colten Brewer took no decision despite at one point retiring 15 consecutive Intimidators hitters from the second through sixth innings. He gave up the tying runs in the seventh before exiting the ballgame.

The Intimidators continue the final series of the 2015 regular season on Friday at 7:05 p.m. as RHP Luis Martinez (4-13, 5.35 ERA) takes the mound for Kannapolis against West Virginia's RHP Austin Coley (15-6, 3.77 ERA) at Intimidators Stadium supported by Carolinas HealthCare System. Friday's game is North Carolina Music Hall of Fame Night. For ticket and promotional information, call the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or visit IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from September 3, 2015


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