Brown homers, but Hoppers lose lead late

GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 23, 2018) -- The Grasshoppers built an early lead with two runs in the first inning, but the Intimidators rallied late as Kannapolis beat Greensboro, 3-2, on Wednesday afternoon at First National Bank Field. Greensboro (19-23) dropped its second straight game after winning three straight.
Trailing 2-1 through seven innings, Kannapolis rallied for a pair of runs in the top of the eighth to claim its first lead of the day. Laz Rivera led off the inning with a game-tying home run (6) off Manny Rodriguez. Craig Dedelow followed with a base hit and later scored on an Evan Skoug sacrifice fly for a 3-2 lead.   
Tyler Johnson (3-0) earned the win for the Intimidatrs, working 2 and 1/3 scoreless relief innings. He faced the minimum, striking out three. Manny Rodriguez (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing two runs on three hits over 1 and 2/3 innings. He gave up three hits and two walks on the day.  
Greensboro led most of the game after going up 2-0 in the first inning. Jose Devers singled with one out, and Micah Brown followed with a 2-run home run (3) to left-center field. Brown finished 1-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored.
Hoppers starter Taylor Braley took no decision despite a quality start, working around one run on six hits over 6.0 innings. The right hander struck out six and walked two.  
The Grasshoppers wrap up this 8-game home stand the same way it started -- with a Thirsty Thursday presented by Natty Greene's and 107.5 KZL featuring discounted drinks all game long at First National Bank Field. Tickets for Thursday's 7:00 p.m. game against Kannapolis are available online at gsohoppers.com.