Zavala launches home run but Tourists rally

Asheville beats Kannapolis in extra-innings to claim series opener

By Josh Feldman

May 26, 2016

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (May 26, 2016) - The Intimidators were a strike away from victory when Asheville's Brian Mundell hit a game-tying double in the top of the ninth inning, and Rockies prospect Brendan Rodgers iced the game with a 3-run homer in extras as the Tourists beat Kannapolis, 9-6, in 11 innings on Thursday night at Intimidators Stadium supported by Carolinas HealthCare System.

With the game tied 6-6 in the top of the 11th, Rodgers - the top prospect in the Colorado Rockies organization - overcame an 0-for-5 start to play hero for Asheville. Follow a pair of walks by Carlos Herrera and Mylz Jones, Rodgers belted a pitch over the left-field wall for a 3-run home run (8) to give Asheville it's first lead since the third inning.

Cristian Quintin (1-3) earned the win for the Tourists with 3.0 scoreless relief innings while Jack Charleston (0-3) suffered the loss for the Intimidators.

Kannapolis (19-28) took the lead in the third on a Seby Zavala 3-run home run (3) off Asheville starting pitcher Trey Killian. With Asheville on top 4-2, Danny Mendick doubled to lead off the third inning and Johan Cruz singled to move Mendick over to third, setting up Zavala's go-ahead blast for a 5-4 lead. Zavala finished the game 2-for-5 with three RBI and two runs scored.

Asheville tied the game in the fifth inning, 5-5, when Sam Hilliard singled to cash Yonathan Daza. Hilliard finished 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBI.

The Intimidators reclaimed the lead in the seventh when Grant Massey plated Zavala with a sacrifice fly for a 6-5 lead. Ryan Riga pitched a pair of scoreless innings in the sixth and seventh, and Yelmison Peralta worked a perfect eighth before allowing the tying run in the ninth.

The Intimidators continue this 4-game series against the Tourists on Friday at 7:05 p.m. as RHP Chris Comito (0-4, 6.62 ERA) makes his fifth start for Kannapolis against Asheville's LHP Dylan Craig (2-1, 5.61 ERA). This home stand also features Faith & Fireworks Night on Saturday, May 28, with a pre-game Christian concert by Selfless Sunday at 5:30 p.m. and post-game fireworks presented by ServPro of North Cabarrus County & China Grove and Cornerstone Church. For tickets and promotional information, call the F&M Bank Box Office or visit IntimidatorsBaseball.com.