SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Ziznewski Triples Twice But Suns Rally for Win

September 2, 2015 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


HAGERSTOWN, Md. (September 2, 2015) -The Suns survived a back-and-forth game by scoring two runs in the ninth inning to edge the Intimidators, 10-9, on Wednesday afternoon at Municipal Stadium. Kannapolis (28-36-1 Second Half, 63-70-1) led 9-8 going into the final frame before the Suns scored twice, plating the winning run on a bases-loaded walk by Dale Carey, to secure the win.

Suns reliever David Napoli (7-5) earned the win despite a blown save with two runs allowed in the ninth inning. David Trexler (0-3) took the loss for Kannapolis.

With Kannapolis down 8-7, John Ziznewski led off the ninth inning with his second triple of the game. He scored the tying run on a Hunter Jones sac-fly, and Louie Lechich added an RBI-single to plate Michael Suiter for a 9-8 lead. Ziznewski finished the game, 3-4 with his first two career triples, two RBI, and a run scored. He is the first Intimidators hitter with two triples in a game since catcher Brett Austin tripled twice in the second game of the season on April 10 at Lakewood.

In the bottom of the ninth, Wilman Rodriguez led off with a double down the third base line and scored the tying run two batters later on an Andrew Stephenson base hit. Trexler walked Osvaldo Abreu and threw a wild pitch to Jose Marmolejos to put the winning runs in scoring position before intentionally walking Marmolejos. Carey drew the game-winning walk to force Stephenson home.

Hagerstown used four singles to build a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Jose Marmolejos collected his league-leading 83rd RBI on a base hit to cash Andrew Stephenson, and Matthew Page blooped a ball into shallow centerfield to score Marmolejos.

With the Suns up 3-0, Kannapolis rallied for three runs in the top of the fifth off Suns starter Erick Fedde. Mason Robbins tripled to score Alexander Simon to put the Intimidators on the board, and Ziznewski singled to plate Robbins. Suiter followed with a game-tying single up the middle, scoring Ziznewski to even the game, 3-3.

After the Suns jumped back in front with two runs in the bottom of the fifth for a 5-3 lead, Kannapolis took advantage of a two-out Hagerstown error and rallied for four runs. Robbins reached on a booted ball by Suns shortstop Bryan Mejia, putting runners on first and second with two outs. Cody Daily followed with an RBI-double to pull Kannapolis within a run, and Daniel Gonzalez gave the Intimidators a lead, 6-5, with a two-run single. Ziznewski chipped in his first career triple, scoring Gonzalez for a 7-5 lead.

Hagerstown plated two runs in the bottom of the seventh of Johnatha Frebis to pull ahead 8-7.

Thaddius Lowry spun 5.0 innings for Kannapolis, giving up five runs on 11 hits with two walks and a strikeout while taking no decision.

The Intimidators return to Kannapolis on Thursday for the final five games of the 2015 season against the West Virginia Power. Kannapolis sends RHP Kelvis Valerio (2-2, 4.40 ERA) to the mound against the Power's RHP Colten Brewer (5-9, 4.81 ERA). Thursday's game is "Kickoff to Football Season" Night with Thirsty Thursday drink discounts all game long. 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 2, 2015


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