Villanueva and 'Dads Walk off Again, Beat Kannapolis, 3-2
Published on May 2, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hickory Crawdads News Release
HICKORY, NC - For the third time in the last seven games, 3B Christian Villanueva came through with a game-winning, walk-off hit, as he belted a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth to lift the Hickory Crawdads to the 3-2 win against the Kannapolis Intimidators, before 656 fans at L.P. Frans Stadium. The first-place Crawdads continue to lead the South Atlantic League with 18 wins.
After Crawdads starter RHP Matt Thompson and Kannapolis starter RHP Paul Burnside exchanged three scoreless frames to start the game, the Crawdads (18-7) took advantage of a big error in the bottom of the fourth to take the game's first lead. DH Andrew Clark and RF Josh Richmond drew consecutive, one-out walks, before advancing ninety feet each on a wild pitch. One out later, both runners scored on a fielding miscue by 3B Juan Silverio, who failed to stop a 1B Jhonny Gomez ground ball, putting Hickory ahead, 2-0.
In the top of the sixth, it was the Intimidators turn to take advantage of an error in the field and get on the board. Kannapolis (14-10) had runners at first and second, when Thompson dealt a wild pitch that advanced both runners. As C Mike Blanke was sliding into third on the play, Hickory C Tomas Telis misfired the ball past third and into left field, enabling Blanke to pop up and come home, cutting the 'Dads lead to 2-1.
After RHP Randol Rojas (W, 4-0) took over and dealt a scoreless seventh, the Intimidators tied it up against him in the eighth. LF Brady Shoemaker led off with a single and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt. After a strikeout dealt by Rojas, Silverio atoned for his early error with a game-tying RBI single, making it 2-2.
Rojas got back on track and kept the tie intact through a 1-2-3 top of the ninth, setting the 'Dads up for another walk-off chance in the bottom of the ninth. RHP Steven Upchurch (L, 1-1) retired Richmond to start the frame, but then Villanueva crushed the ball over the left field wall for the game-winning solo home run, lifting the Crawdads to the 3-2 win, their third walk-off win (all on Villanueva hits) during this homestand.
Crawdads Clippings:
The 'Dads go for the sweep of the Intimidators in the final game of the homestand on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. (gates open at 6 p.m.). It is Dollar Day at the ballpark, with 10 items just a buck each, courtesy of 1290 WHKY. All fans can buy one ticket and get a second grandstand ticket for just a buck!
Tuesday will also be Dale Earnhardt Chevy Night - all fans that wear a Dale Earnhardt shirt will get a Buy One, Get One ticket to the game! Also, all fans that drive a Chevy to the game will get FREE parking!
Tuesday's game also features KRAFT Singles Tuesday Night Tickets - bring a KRAFT Singles wrapper to the Ticket Office for a Buy One, Get One ticket offer from KRAFT!
Get Tickets:
Individual tickets, corporate partnerships, group outings and ticket plans for the 2011 season are available right now at the Crawdads Front Office or by calling (828) 322-3000. You can even purchase and print your tickets from the comfort of your home on Hickorycrawdads.com.
South Atlantic League Stories from May 2, 2011
- Power Sweep Doubleheader - Charleston Dirty Birds
- Drive Power Past Tourists, 15-2 - Greenville Drive
- Goeddel Tosses Six Shutout Innings in 3-1 Win Monday - Savannah Sand Gnats
- Villanueva and 'Dads Walk off Again, Beat Kannapolis, 3-2 - Hickory Crawdads
- Savannah Wins Third Straight, 3-1 Over BlueClaws - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Shorebirds Blank RiverDogs 8-0 for 11th Straight Win - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Copeland Shackles Charleston Offense, Delmarva Downs 'Dogs, 8-0 - Charleston RiverDogs
- Kannapolis Walked off for Third Time in Four Games - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
- Legends' Game Suspended Due to Rain - Lexington Legends
- Tonight's Game Suspended in 2nd - Augusta GreenJackets
- Gnats Game Notes: Monday, May 2 at Lakewood - Savannah Sand Gnats
- McKenzie Gem Carries Suns to Fifth Consecutive Victory - Hagerstown Suns
- Shorebirds Game Notes: Vs. Charleston - Delmarva Shorebirds
- RiverDogs Return to the Joe for Eight-Game Homestand - Charleston RiverDogs
- Bats Silenced Once Again - Rome Emperors
- Power Game Notes - Charleston Dirty Birds
- Manny Machado Named SAL Player of the Week - Delmarva Shorebirds
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.
