Curley's homer propels Kannapolis to victory

Intimidators surge ahead with 4-run fifth inning to claim series

By Josh Feldman

April 30, 2015

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (April 30, 2015) - Chris Curley blasted a 3-run go-ahead home run with two outs in the fifth inning to help the Intimidators beat the Greenville Drive, 6-5, on Thursday night at CMC-NorthEast Stadium. Kannapolis (9-11) secured a series win, 2-games-to-1, with the victory.

Curley, who leads the Intimidators with five home runs and 19 RBI, finished the game 1-for-3 with three RBI, a walk and two runs scored. Kannapolis scored all six of its runs in the fourth and fifth innings to overcome an early 3-0 deficit.

In the fourth, Christian Stringer doubled on a ball that Drive outfielder Derek Miller lost in the lights, and Chris Curley drew a walk. With two outs, Zach Fish came through with a base hit up the middle to drive them both home, cutting the Drive's lead, 3-2. The Intimidators scored five of their six runs with two outs.

Greenville extended its lead to 4-2 in the top of the fifth on a Carlos Mesa sac-fly that scored Jordan Procyshen, but Kannapolis rallied in the home half of the inning to take the lead. James Baldwin tripled with one out and scored on an Eddy Alvarez groundout. After base hits by Michael Suiter and Stringer, Curley followed with bomb to end the night for Drive starting pitcher Jeffry Fernandez.

Fernandez (0-3) took the loss, allowing six runs on nine hits over 4 and 2/3 innings. Aaron Wilkerson tossed the final 3 and 1/3 innings of scoreless, hitless ball for Greenville.

Kannapolis reliever Devon Davis (2-1) picked up the win, tossing 2 and 2/3 innings, allowing a run on one hit while striking out three. Jacob Morris tossed a pair of scoreless, hitless innings, and David Trexler limited Greenville to a run in the ninth to secure the save (2). Kannapolis starter Yelmison Peralta tossed 3 and 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on five hits with three walks and a strikeout.

The Intimidators open a 4-game series on Friday against the Rome Braves as Kannapolis sends RHP Thad Lowry (3-0, 2.50) to the mound against Rome's RHP Sean Furney (2-1, 3.50) with first pitch at 7:05 p.m. Friday night's game is Jurassic Ballpark featuring a special appearance by the dinosaurs from Dakota and Friends. For tickets and promotional information, call the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or visit IntimidatorsBaseball.com.