Big Leaguer, timely hitting help Kannapolis to 3-2 win

KANNAPOLIS, NC -Freddy Garcia stole the show early, but it was the usual suspects late helping the Intimidators to a 3-2 win over the Rome Braves on Sunday evening at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium.

Garcia, a two-time American League All-Star, fired three shutout innings in his first official start with the White Sox organization in 2009. The 33-year-old right-hander did allow two hits and walk a batter, but he also induced two double plays and struck out three to keep the Braves off the board.

Garcia was limited to three innings as he builds his way back to the Bigs, but looked sharp in his brief stint. He seemed to focus primarily on his off-speed pitches, flashing both an effective slider and curveball.

The Intimidators took full advantage of Garcia's time on the bump, taking a 2-0 lead early behind the veteran. Luis Sierra and Jon Gilmore collected RBIs in the first off of Rome starter David Francis.

Nevin Griffith (1-2) piggybacked off of Garcia's start and took the win, pitching five innings while surrendering two runs. He did allow the Braves to tie the game, 2-2, after conceding an opposite field home run to Adam Millligan in the sixth.

But Kannapolis struck back with a run in the seventh off of Francis (3-6), as Drew Garcia singled in Dan Black to give the Intimidators the lead for good. Kannapolis went on to load the bases with one out, but could not add to the slim cushion.

Dan Remenowksy, the Intimidators All-Star closer, did allow a hit in the ninth, but finished off the Braves for his 15th save of the campaign.