I's set cruise control vs. Drive, 9-1

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (Aug. 28, 2012) -- The Kannapolis Intimidators accelerated past the Greenville Drive with nine early runs before setting the cruise control in a 9-1 win on Tuesday night at CMC-NorthEast Stadium. Joey DeMichele and Courtney Hawkins each hit home runs as part of a nine-run outburst over the first three innings.

After Keury De La Cruz put the Drive up, 1-0, on an RBI-double in the top of the first, DeMichele retaliated in the home half of the inning with a two-run home run (3) to right field for a 2-1 lead.

The Intimidators exploded for six runs in the second inning. Courtney Hawkins, the White Sox top pick in this year's draft, blasted a three-run home run (4) with two outs. The Intimidators then loaded the bases for Michael Marjama, cleared the bases with a double to center field for an 8-1 Intimidators lead.

In the third inning, Adam Heisler doubled home Joe De Pinto to make it 9-1. Heisler finished the night with a career-high four hits, going 4-4 with an RBI and a run scored.

Euclides Leyer (2-1) tossed 5.0 innings, allowing a run on six hits to pick up the win. Jeff Soptic and Matt Talley combined for four scoreless relief innings.

The Intimidators and Drive play Game 2 of 3 on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. at CMC-NorthEast Stadium. For ticket information, call the box office at (704) 932-3267 or visit www.IntimidatorsBaseball.com.