Early Offense from Salem Bats Too Much for Kannapolis in 10-1 Loss Thursday 

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. – After the Salem Red Sox put up eight runs in the first two innings of action Thursday night, the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers failed to make a comeback, dropping the third of six matchups on the week at Atrium Health Ballpark by a score of 10-1 Thursday night.

RHP Noah Owen (L, 5-9) struggled in his start Thursday, allowing eight runs on 12 hits, walking one and striking out three. RHP Bowen Plagge entered in relief, tossing two innings, allowing two runs on two hits, walking three and striking out four in his first outing since turning the internet upside down with his hustle play in the game Sunday in Zebulon.

Salem struck for eight runs before Kannapolis mustered even a base hit, with Tyler Miller being the main culprit of the offense. The ninth-round pick in 2021 by the Boston Red Sox tallied all five of his RBI in the first two innings with an RBI single in the top of the first, and a grand slam in the top of the second. Yorberto Mejicano, Kier Meredith, and Eddinson Paulino each added RBI singles of their own, giving the Red Sox a large 8-0 advantage off of Owen and the Ballers.

Kannapolis finally got on the board in the bottom of the third inning, scoring their only run on a single into center field by Wilfred Veras. With Misael Gonzalez headed for a second, a fielding error from center fielder Karson Simas allowed plenty of time for Gonzalez to cross the plate.

More offense for the Red Sox arrived in the top of the fifth, adding two more runs on a bases-loaded walk of Meredith and an RBI groundout from Brainer Bonaci. Following the two more runs, Salem jumped out to a massive 10-1 lead, which proved to be unscathed against a Kannapolis offense that only mustered six hits all night.

The Ballers and Red Sox will do battle again in the fourth of six matchups at Atrium Health Ballpark on Friday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., with LHP Brooks Gosswein earning the start for the weekend kickoff ballgame.

Fans can purchase tickets for any upcoming home games at kcballers.com or at the F&M Bank Box Office located at Atrium Health Ballpark.