SAL1 Hagerstown Suns

Suns Strike Back, Flush out Intimidators 6-1

Published on August 19, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hagerstown Suns News Release


Hagerstown, MD- The Hagerstown Suns (70-53, 30-23) flushed out the Kannapolis Intimidators (68-53, 31-22) on Friday evening at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium with a five-run 8th inning to win 6-1. The Suns are now just one game back of Kannapolis in the second-half South Atlantic League Northern Division playoff race. In the head-to-head matchup in 2011, Hagerstown and Kannapolis both have four wins. Hagerstown used ten hits and overcame two errors to garner the victory in series game two.

Suns RHP A.J. Cole, although poised throughout and working out of his own jams, did not factor into the decision. The number four overall Washington Nationals prospect allowed just one earned run on three hits in 5.0 innings, while walking three and fanning seven, including striking out the side in the 1st inning.

Kannapolis scored first in the 1st inning when 2B Carlos Sanchez lined an opposite field double to the left field corner before 1B Dan Black sliced an RBI single into left center field to jump out 1-0.

Intimidators RHP Matt Heidenreich, like Cole, pitched very well, but did not receive a decision. Heidenreich surrendered one earned run in 7.0 stanzas amidst no walks and eight strikeouts.

The Suns answered to tie the contest with one run in the 6th frame on a fielder's choice groundball by C David Freitas. SS Blake Kelso blooped a single into right center field, 2B Adrian Sanchez got on with a bunt single and an error on a low throw by Heidenreich got Kelso to third base. Freitas knocked a slow grounder to SS Marcus Semien who threw to Sanchez. Adrian Sanchez interfered with Sanchez' ability to turn the double play and his throw was blocked, thus the runner at second and Freitas motoring to first base were deemed out. However, Kelso scored on the play to tie the ballgame.

Hagerstown LHP Ryan Demmin (4-2), the winning pitcher, was very strong in relieving Cole. Demmin allowed just a pair of doubles to LF Ross Wilson in 4.0 scoreless frames, while walking none and fanning seven.

Off RHP Jake Wilson (3-2), the eventual losing pitcher, the Suns exploded for five runs on five hits in the 8th inning. 3B Justin Cuevas cranked a double into left center field, CF Michael Taylor lashed a single into left field, Kelso lined an RBI single into right field, and Sanchez ripped a two-run single into left center field. RHP Chris Bassitt came in and gave up a two-run jack to RF Kevin Keyes, the slugger's 14th homer of the campaign. The barrage of offense gave the Suns a 6-1 advantage they would not relinquish.

Demmin struck out the side in the bottom of the 9th inning despite allowing one baserunner to seal the deal on a game two triumph and tie the four-game series at one win a club.

Game Three will feature a 7:05pm first pitch and a 6:50pm Break Away 2 Sports Lounge Pre-game Show on the radio flagship of the Hagerstown Suns, WJEJ AM 1240. The Suns will throw RHP Matt Swynenberg (6-1, 3.05) against the Kannapolis LHP Spencer Arroyo (8-8, 3.60).

Check out the Hagerstown Suns Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



South Atlantic League Stories from August 19, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central