Intimidators split doubleheader in Hickory

HICKORY, N.C. (April 15, 2014) - The Kannapolis Intimidators split Tuesday's doubleheader with the Hickory Crawdads at L.P. Frans Stadium, dropping the first game, 3-1 (F/7), before bouncing back to overwhelm the Crawdads, 9-2 (F/7), in the second game of the twin bill.

Kannapolis (5-8) struggled again Hickory's Cole Wiper in Game 1 as the right-hander allowed just a run on two hits over 5.0 innings to earn the win. Intimidators starter James Dykstra took the loss despite striking out a career-high nine batters over 6.0 innings. Dykstra (1-2) allowed three runs on seven hits in a complete game effort.

Hickory (6-7) struck for an early 2-0 lead in the home half of the first inning. Nick Vickerson singled to drive in Travis Demeritte, and Nomar Mazara later scored on a fielder's choice. The Intimidators got on the board the following inning when Omar Narvaez doubled to drive in Trey Michalczewski, but Kannapolis did not cross the plate again.  

In the second game, it was the Intimidators that jumped in front early. Kannapolis used a four-run first to knock Hickory's Collin Wiles out of the game after 0.2 innings, scoring all four runs with two outs on the board. Thanks to a Cleuluis Rondon double and a pair of Wiles walks, the Intimidators loaded the bases for Carl Thomore, who put Kannapolis up 2-0 with a base hit to right field, scoring Rondon and Danny Hayes. Jeremy Dowdy followed with a double to cash Michalczewski and Thomore, and Kannapolis never looked back. Dowdy finished 2-for-4 with two doubles and four RBI.  

Kannapolis starter Tyler Danish (2-0) kept the Crawdads offense quiet in his third start of the season. The White Sox second round pick worked 6.0 innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits to notch the win. Sean Hagan spun a scoreless seventh to wrap up the game for the Intimidators. Wiles (1-1) took the loss, allowing four runs on three hits with two walks and a strikeout.  

The Intimidators added on five more runs against Hickory relievers Ryan Ledbetter and Kelvin Vasquez. In total, Kannapolis hitters drove in eight of the team's nine runs with two outs.

Kannapolis and Hickory wrap up this three-game series on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at L.P. Frans Stadium. The Intimidators return home on Thursday to open a three-game home stand against the West Virginia Power at CMC-NorthEast Stadium. For tickets, call the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or visit IntimidatorsBaseball.com