KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (May 30, 2016) — The Augusta GreenJackets used a 4-run fifth inning to push past the Intimidators, 5-3, on Mondayevening at Intimidators Stadium supported by Carolinas HealthCare System. Kannapolis (20-31) rallied to bring the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning but fell short in the series opener.
The GreenJackets overcame a 1-0 deficit with four runs in the fifth inning, highlighted by a Seth Harrison 3-run home run (2). Kelvin Beltre led off the big inning with a base hit followed by back-to-back walks by Gustavo Cabrera and Skyler Ewing to load the bases. Two batters later, Johneshwy Vargas drove in Beltre with a game-tying fielder’s choice, setting up Harrison’s bomb to left-center field.
Augusta’s starting pitcher Phil Bickford (2-4) set the tone early by limiting Kannapolis to one run over his 5.0 innings on the mound. He finished with seven strikeouts and three walks while allowing four hits to earn the win.
Johnathan Frebis took the loss for Kannapolis, allowing four runs in the fifth inning to sour what had been scoreless start. The left-hander faced one over the minimum through four innings before getting into trouble in the fifth. Frebis (4-3) finished with two walks and five hits allowed while striking out none.
Drew Hasler kept the GreenJackets off the scoreboard in the sixth and seventh innings, working his 10th scoreless appearance in 15 games this season with Kannapolis. Alex Katz gave up an unearned run on one hits with a walk over 2.0 innings to close the game for the Intimidators.
With Kannapolis trailing 5-2 going to the bottom of the ninth, Augusta reliever Caleb Smith retired the first batter before Johan Cruz legged out an infield singe and Danny Mendick walked to bring the tying run to the plate. Seby Zavala hit into a would-be double play, but Augusta second baseman Jalen Miller’s turn to first skidded past the bag, allowing Johan Cruz to score. Smith fanned Landon Lassiter to end the game for the save (4).
