Martinez's career night leads to fall of Rome

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (May 2, 2015) -- Luis Martinez worked a career high 6 and 2/3 innings baffling the Braves to pitch the Intimidators to a shutout victory, 5-0, in front of 4,038 fans at CMC-NorthEast Stadium on Saturday night.

Martinez (1-2) allowed no runs on four hits, striking out five to earn the win. In the fifth inning, Martinez took a come-backer off his left leg that ricocheted to first baseman T.J. Williams who tapped the bag to retire Braves second baseman Omar Obregon. Martinez dropped to the ground, but after being cleared by Trainer James Kruk, Martinez stayed in the game until reaching his pitch limit.

Michael Suiter paced the Intimidators' offense, going 2-for-4 with a triple, two RBI, and two runs scored, while Eddy Alvarez chipped in by going 2-for-3 with a double and two runs scored.

After struggling to score runs last night, the Intimidators jumped onto the scoreboard in the bottom of the first. Alvarez, who won a silver medal during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi in speed-skating, singled and moved to third thanks to a pair of Braves errors. Christian Stringer to plate Alvarez for a 1-0 lead, and Suiter later scored on the Braves' third error of the inning.

Kannapolis added another run in the second inning. Alvarez doubled with two outs and scored on a Suiter single, extending the lead to 3-0.

The Intimidators wouldn't let up in the fifth, Alvarez doubled off starter Caleb Beech to lead the inning off and scored scored the next at-bat on a Suiter triple down the right-field line. Suiter scored two batters later when Chris Curley doubled to the right-center field gap to extend the lead to 5-0.

Peter Tago worked the final 2 and 1/3 innings to preserve the shutout.

Kannapolis was able to chase Beech (0-2) from the game after 6.0 innings. He allowed five runs (three earned) on six hits, with five strikeouts and walk in a losing effort.

The Intimidators continue their series with the Rome Braves on Sunday starting at 5:05 p.m. at CMC-NorthEast Stadium. Right-hander Yency Almonte (0-0, 5.06) will take the mound for Kannapolis against Braves righty Brandon Barker (1-2, 3.32).

Kids can meet the characters from Frozen on Sunday including Princess Anna, Princess Elsa and their snowy sidekick Olaf beginning when gates open at 4 p.m., courtesy of Imagination Clubhouse. Reserve your tickets by going to the F&M Bank Box Office or by calling (704) 932-3267.