Hayes homers as Intimidators fall to Suns

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (August 7, 2014) - Danny Hayes hit his team-leading 11th home run to help the Intimidators avoid a shutout in Thursday's 8-1 loss to the Hagerstown Suns at Municipal Stadium. Kannapolis (53-61, 24-22 Second Half) trailed 7-0 after four innings before falling for the third straight game.

Hayes, who is now one big fly ahead of teammate Trey Michalczewski to lead Kannapolis, finished the game 1-4 after hitting a solo shot with one out in the ninth while Adam Engel collected half of the Intimidators' hit by going 2-4.

Hagerstown pounded out 13 hits including five doubles, featuring 3-hit games by leadoff man Rafael Bautista and Carlos Lopez. Jimmy Yezzo helped break the game open with a 3-run double during a 4-run third inning.

The Suns battered Kannapolis starter Jeff McKenzie (2-4) to the tune of seven runs on eight hits over 3 and 1/3 innings in the loss. Jose Brito spun 3 and 2/3 of scoreless relief, limiting the Suns to a pair of singles. Andrew Mitchell did not walk a batter while allowing a run on three hits while tossing the eighth inning.

Reynaldo Lopez continued his impressive return to the South Atlantic League with his third straight scoreless start. Lopez (2-1) worked 6.0 innings of 1-hit ball to pick up the win. He has now worked 17.0 scoreless innings since returning to Hagerstown in late July.

The Intimidators continue this 4-game series against the Hagerstown Suns (Nationals) on Friday at Municipal Stadium at 7:05 p.m. The team returns to Kannapolis on Monday, Aug. 11, for a 3-game series against the Lexington Legends (Royals). For ticket and promotional information, call the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or visit IntimidatorsBaseball.com.