Austin wins it with walk off 2-run double

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (June 25, 2015)- The Kannapolis Intimidators erased a three-run deficit in the bottom of the ninth to beat the Asheville Tourists, 9-8, at Intimidators Stadium presented by Carolinas HealthCare System. Brett Austin entered his final at-bat 0-for-3 before he sliced a game-winning two-run double to the left-center field gap to complete the comeback.

Asheville grabbed a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning off Intimidators' starter Yelmison Peralta, who loaded the bases to start the frame. With the bases loaded Luis Jean singled to score Josh Fuentes. The next at-bat Drew Weeks scored from third on a sacrifice fly by Dom Nunez.

In the third, the Tourists added another run on a solo home run by Forrest Wall (6) to make it 3-0.

Ashville added another run in the fourth, extending their lead to 4-0. With Jean at second, Nunez doubled to right field, scoring Jean.

Down 4-0, Kannapolis plated four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to tie the game, 4-4. With runners on second and third, Alexander Simon singled to score Hunter Jones. The next at-bat Nick Basto blooped a single to right field, scoring Louie Lechich. With Runners on second and third, Brett Austin drove home Simon on a sacrifice fly. Mason Robbins completed the four-run inning by knocking home Nick Basto on a sacrifice fly to deep center field.

Asheville regained its lead in the seventh, when Omar Carrizales (4) homered to deep right field off Intimidators' reliever Kelvis Valerio, to make it 5-4.

Kannapolis tied the game, 5-5, in the home half of the seventh, when Tourists' relief pitcher Jerry Vasto walked Simon with the bases loaded.

In the eighth, Asheville used its third home run of the game to retake the lead, 6-5. With two outs, Dom Nunez hooked a Valerio delivery over the right field wall to again break the tie.

Asheville added two more runs in the ninth, to take what seemed to be an insurmountable lead, 8-5.

In the ninth inning, the Intimidators used a walk and four hits to score four runs and complete the comeback.

Matt Cooper (2-0) earned the win, although he allowed two runs on three hits, while walking one and striking out two, in 1.0 inning.

Yelmison Peralta tied a season high by working 6.0 innings in a no decision, in which he allowed four runs (3 earned) on seven hits while walking one and striking out four.

The Tourists used four different pitchers after starter Ryan Castellani worked 5.0 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits, while walking one and striking out three. Josh Michalec (1-2) took the loss, in just 1/3 of an inning of work, allowing four runs on four hits, while walking one and striking out one.

The Intimidators and Tourists continue their 5-game series Friday at Intimidators supported by Carolinas HealthCare System. Thad Lowry (8-2, 3.61) will get the start against Asheville's Grahamn Wiest (2-0, 1.50). The First 500 fans Friday will receive a pair of sunglasses presented by Cabarrus Eye Center. Get your tickets today calling the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or visit IntimidatorsBaseball.com.