Catfish Victorious in 2007 Season Opener

Columbus, GA - The Columbus Catfish (1-0) ran away with a 6-1 victory over the Kannapolis Intimidators (0-1) in the 2007 season opener at Golden Park Thursday. The Catfish offense was powered by two home runs while RHP Wade Townsend (1-0) muffled the Intimidators for five scoreless innings.

The Catfish jumped out to an early lead in the first inning. CF Desmond Jennings led off the inning with a single and stole second base. He moved to third base on a single by 3B Cesar Suarez. C Nevin Ashley singled home Jennings for a 1-0 lead. LF Ryan Roster then singled to put two on for RF Quinn Stewart, whose three-run homer to right field made it 4-0 Catfish.

With two outs in the sixth inning Columbus started another scoring rally. Stewart singled to left field and stole second base. 1B Matt Field then hit a two-run blast to right field for a 6-0 lead.

The only Kannapolis run scored on a RF Maurice Gartrell ground out in the seventh inning.

Townsend did not allow a hit until the fourth inning when LF Lee Cruz stroked a two-out single. Townsend struck out six batters and allowed just two hits and one walk. He was replaced by Columbus native RHP Brian Baker, who got out of a bases loaded, no out jam in the sixth inning with a strikeout and a double play. RHP Ryan Reid took over in the seventh inning. He gave up just one run in three innings and earned his first save.

The 'Fish and I's will match up again Friday at 7:00pm. RHP Woods Fines will take the mound for Columbus against RHP Jacob Rasner. For tickets, merchandise or more information call (706) 571-8866 or visit www.columbuscatfish.com.