SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Thompson Fans Eight, But Hoppers Rally Late

Published on May 17, 2016 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


KANNAPOLIS, N.C. - Zach Thompson matched his career-high with eight strikeouts but the Grasshoppers topped the Intimidators, 10-3, on Tuesday night at Intimidators Stadium supported by Carolinas HealthCare System. Kannapolis (16-22) dropped its fifth straight game for the first time in 2016.

With the game tied, 3-3, through seven innings, Greensboro jumped ahead with four runs in the top of the eighth and three more in the ninth. Justin Twine singled to score Zach Sullivan to take the lead in the eighth inning, and Josh Naylor followed with a 3-run home run (4) to balloon the lead. Naylor added a 2-run double in the ninth, finishing the game with five RBI, equalling the most by an Intimidators opponent this season.

Thompson retired the first 10 batters he faced, including striking out the side in the third. He finished the night allowing three runs (two earned) on one hit with a pair of walks over 6.0 innings while taking no decision.

Thompson kept the Grasshoppers hitless into the fifth inning before Greensboro loaded the bases without the benefit of a hit. Kyle Barrett singled to break the scoreless tie, scoring Angel Reyes and Roy Morales, and Gionvanny Alfonzo scored on a throwing error by right-fielder Antonio Rodriguez for a 3-0 lead.

Kannapolis bounced back for two runs in the home half of sixth as Seby Zavala led off the frame with a solo home run (1), the fifth of his career and first in 2016. Cody Daily walked and moved first-to-third on a Rodriguez base hit before scoring on a passed ball to cut the Hoppers lead to 3-2. In the seventh, Zach Fish scored on a Rodriguez sac-fly to tie the game, 3-3.

Greensboro (14-24) struck out 15 batters on the night, including eight by starter Cody Poteet, who worked 5.0 scoreless innings. Reliever Ben Meyer fanned all six batters he faced over the eighth and ninth innings. Jeff Kinley (1-2) earned the win despite surrendering the lead in the seventh inning.

Jack Charleston (0-1) spun a perfect seventh for Kannapolis but gave up four runs in the eighth to take the loss. Ryan Hinchley gave up three run in the ninth.

The Intimidators and Grasshoppers wrap up this 3-game series on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. at LHP Tanner Banks (6-0, 2.34 ERA) take the mound for Kannapolis against Greensboro's LHP Brett Lilek (0-0, 3.52 ERA). Wednesday's game is a Weenie Wednesday with $1 hot dogs all game long courtesy of Nathan's Famous. For tickets and promotional information, call the F&M Bank Box Office or visit IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 17, 2016


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