Suns comeback bid falls short in 4-3 loss
HAGERSTOWN, M.D. - The Kannapolis Intimidators (16-27, 43-68) led from start to finish on Sunday, handing the Hagerstown Suns (26-17, 64-46) a 4-3 loss in front of 814 at Municipal Stadium. Despite the loss, Hagerstown won the four-game series against Kannapolis three games to one.
The Intimidators got on the board right away in the top of the first. With one out SS Tim Anderson singled to center field. He moved to second when LF Jason Coats reached on a throwing error by Suns 3B Mike McQuillan. Designated hitter Mike Marjama then drove Anderson home from second with a line drive to right.
The score remained 1-0 in favor of Kannapolis until the top of the seventh. Third baseman Nick Basto led off the inning with an infield single to third. He moved to second on a wild pitch, and scored when CF Jacob May drilled a line drive double to left. May's double was followed by a double off the bat of Anderson. Anderson scored the third and final run of the frame when Hagerstown RF Wander Ramos dropped a fly ball in right field.
The Suns got one of the runs back in the bottom half of the inning. Left fielder Estarlin Martinez hit a one-out single up the middle, then moved to second on a ground out by SS Stephen Perez. Martinez scored from second when catcher Craig Manuel lined a single to left.
Hagerstown was able to again make it a one-run game by plating two runs in the bottom of the eighth. With a runner on first and one out 1B Shawn Pleffner hit a line drive single to center field. Two batters later second baseman Khayyan Norfork smacked a triple against the wall in center field, driving home both runners to set the final score at 4-3.
RHP Michael Recchia (5-0) got the start and the win for Kannapolis. He pitched seven innings and allowed just one earned run on six hits while walking one and striking out eight. LHP Kylin Turnbull (5-4) suffered the loss for Hagerstown. He went 6.1 innings and surrendered two earned runs on six hits while walking one and striking out three. LHP Ryan Bollinger picked up his third save of the season for the Intimidators by pitching a scoreless ninth.
The Suns will begin a three-game series against the Lakewood BlueClaws at Municipal Stadium on Monday, August 5. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05p.m. Hagerstown will send RHP Pedro Encarnacion (7-7, 3.30) to the mound for his 19th start of the season. He will be opposed by RHP Miguel Nunez (8-7, 4.50) for Lakewood.