Casimiro's Complete Game Not Enough; Claws Fall 1-0

KANNAPOLIS, NC - Yency Almonte threw six scoreless innings and a second-inning Kannapolis run held up as the Intimidators knocked off the BlueClaws 1-0 on Friday night at CMC Northeast Stadium.

The only run of the game came on an RBI double in the second inning by Kannapolis third baseman Ryan Leonards, driving home Louis Lechich, who had singled and stolen second base.

BlueClaws starter Ranfi Casimiro threw all eight innings for the BlueClaws (there was no bottom of the 9th), allowing one run on five hits. He tied a season-high with six strikeouts in what was the longest outing of his career. It was the first BlueClaws complete game in which the starter threw more than seven innings since 2011.

The loss dropped the BlueClaws to 16-17 on the year and snapped a three-game winning streak. Kannapolis improved to 15-18 and the teams have now split six meetings this season.

Almonte, who got knocked out in the first inning of his last start, threw six shutout innings to improve to 1-2 on the year. Brad Saldago threw the 7th and the 8th and Matt Cooper threw a scoreless 9th inning for his first save of the season.

Carlos Tocci had two hits and continues to lead the league at .357. Deivi Grullon, who also threw out his 10th base-stealer of the year, had two hits as well.

The series continues on Saturday night at CMC Northeast Stadium. RHP Chris Oliver (2-3) starts for the BlueClaws opposite RHP Spencer Adams (0-3) at 7:05.

- BlueClaws -