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CarL Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Veras Crushes Another Home Run in Second Kannapolis Win of Series over Mudcats

July 8, 2022 - Carolina League (CarL)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


KANNAPOLIS, N.C. - Jumping out to an early lead and retaking it in the middle innings, the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers outlasted the Carolina Mudcats in a 5-3 victory Thursday night at Atrium Health Ballpark.

RHP Hunter Dollander (W, 2-0) made his second start on the mound for the Ballers, tossing 6.0 innings for the second time this season, striking out five and walking one. The righty from Georgia allowed three runs on five hits en route to his second victory in as many starts. LHP Haylen Green (H, 4) relieved Dollander in the seventh, cleaning through Carolina's lineup in his two innings of relief.

Kannapolis opened the scoring in the bottom of the first thanks to a Wilfred Veras two-run home run to left field, scoring Wes Kath on the shot to give the Ballers a 2-0 lead. With the home run, Veras has now hit home runs in six of Kannapolis' 12 second-half matchups, with the Ballers also ending up 6-0 when Veras goes deep.

Carolina CF Jackson Chourio displayed his value in being named to the 2022 MLB All-Star Futures Game next Sunday with a towering three-run home run to left field in the top of the third inning. The blast scored Jose Chirinos and Hendry Mendez, giving the Mudcats their first and only lead of the game.

The Ballers answered in the bottom of the fifth inning, tying the game on a Colby Smelley RBI single to center field, scoring Caberea Weaver to knot the matchup at 3-3.

Logan Glass added his second home run in as many games in his return to Kannapolis, unloading on a fastball in the bottom of the sixth inning to score DJ Gladney. The Mustang, Oklahoma native now holds three home runs in his 2022 Kannapolis tenure, with his latest homer being the deciding factor to give the Cannon Ballers a 5-3 lead.

RHP Angel Acevedo needed just three pitches in the top of the ninth inning, allowing a runner to reach base on an error after a pop out, then forcing a double play to seal the deal for Kannapolis late.

The Ballers face off against the Carolina Mudcats for the fourth matchup of the week with the Carolina Mudcats on Friday night. First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m. RHP Norge Vera (0-1, 2.70 ERA) will get the start for Kannapolis, with Carolina opting for RHP Edward Jimenez (2-3, 4.18 ERA).

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 8, 2022


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