Kannapolis Tops BlueClaws 10-1 in Series Opener

LAKEWOOD, NJ - Danny Hayes with 3-4 including a first inning home run in leading Kannapolis to a 10-1 win over the BlueClaws on Wednesday night at FirstEnergy Park in the opener of a three-game series. 

Hayes took Lakewood starter Drew Anderson (1-2) deep in the first for his second home run of the season. The Intimidators would add two runs in the third inning on an RBI double by Jacob Morris and a groundout by Trey Michalczewski to make it 3-0. 

After two runs scored in the fourth, Anderson left with the bases loaded and Michalczewski hit a three-run double off reliever Yacksel Rios. He was thrown out trying to stretch it into a triple, but the damage made it 8-0 Kannapolis. 

Anderson allowed eight runs, five earned, in 3.2 innings. Kannapolis starter Jake Sanchez, meanwhile, retired the first nine hitters he faced and allowed one run on five hits over six innings to improve to 4-0 on the season. 

JP Crawford had two hits for the BlueClaws, extending his hitting streak to nine games. Wilmer Oberto and Deivi Grullon each had two hits as well for Lakewood, who had won seven of nine coming into the game. 

The BlueClaws fell to 12-19 with the loss and Kannapolis won their third straight game to improve to 17-15. 

The series continues Wednesday night. Lakewood RHP Ranfi Casimiro (1-3, 9.00) opposes Kannapolis RHP Tyler Barnette (0-1, 2.75). First pitch is at 6:35. 

- BlueClaws -