Catfish Fall to Intimidators 4-1

Columbus, GA - The Columbus Catfish (1-2) lost another game in the ninth inning to the Kannapolis Intimidators (2-1), this time 4-1 Saturday at Golden Park.

Both teams were held scoreless until Kannapolis got on the board in the top of the sixth. RF Archie Gilbert led off with a single and then stole second. An error by 1B Matt Fields put SS Rob Hudson on first and moved Gilbert to third. 1B Brandon Allen then drove in Gilbert with a sacrifice fly.

The Catfish tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the eighth. 2B Joey Callender reached base on a single and later scored on a single by SS Jairo de los Santos.

Once again the downfall began with the ninth inning. Allen led off with a double to right. DH Chris Carter then walked. With one out CF Anderson Gomes hit a high fly to shallow left field that dropped in for a single. LF John Matulia tried for Allen at third base, but his throw was in the dirt. As the ball skipped away Allen scored while Carter and Gomes moved into scoring position. 3B Mike Grace then singled to right field, scoring two for a 4-1 lead, the eventual final.

LHP Ryan Morse allowed just one run on three hits and no walks in six innings. He was replaced by RHP Brian Baker (0-1), who worked three innings and allowed the three ninth inning runs, all earned, and took the loss. RHP Fautino de los Santos (1-0) gave up one run in three innings to earn the win. RHP Ryan Rote earned his first save with a perfect ninth inning.

The series finale will take place at Golden Park Sunday at 2:00pm. RHP Josh Butler will oppose RHP Matt Long. For tickets, merchandise or more information call (706) 571-8866 or visit columbuscatfish.com.