Gnats gnaw Intimidators, 4-2

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (Aug. 31, 2012) -- The Kannapolis Intimidators dropped the first game of the final series of the season, 4-2, to the Savannah Sand Gnats on Friday night at CMC-NorthEast Stadium. Alex Panteliodis worked 7.0 strong innings, allowing two runs on five hits for the Gnats to earn the win. T.J. Chism tossed a scoreless ninth for the save (19).

Savannah struck first when Dustin Lawley doubled in the second inning, and Brandon Brown singled him home for a 1-0 lead. Yucarybert De La Cruz extended the Sand Gnats' lead with a two-run home run (3) in the third inning, 3-0.

Martin Medina put the Intimidators on the board with a solo home run (3) in the fifth inning.

Intimidators starter Jarrett Casey (5-8) gave up three runs on seven hits over 5.0 innings, walking four and striking out four in a losing effort.

Adam Lopez made his Class A debut for the Intimidators, working two perfect relief innings and striking out four. Jeff Soptic tossed two relief innings, allowing a run on one hit with two walks.

The Intimidators host the Sand Gnats (New York Mets) Saturday night at CMC-NorthEast Stadium at 7:05 p.m. For ticket information, call the box office at (704) 932-3267 or visit www.IntimidatorsBaseball.com.