Tourists topple I's for 4th straight night

Thompson worked quality start, spinning 6.0 innings in losing effort

By Josh Feldman

June 29, 2015

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (June 29, 2015) - Asheville starting pitcher Helmis Rodriguez shutout Kannapolis through seven innings of work as the Tourists won a fourth straight game over the Intimidators, 6-1, on Monday at Intimidators Stadium supported by Carolinas HealthCare System. Kannapolis (1-4 Second Half, 36-38 overall) has matched its longest losing skid of the season, previously dropping four games in a row May 3-7.

Rodriguez (6-3) spun 7.0 scoreless innings to earn the win, scattering eight hits while walking two batters.

Asheville took advantage of a Kannapolis error while putting up four runs in the third inning, but the Tourists paid the price with two of their players leaving the game with injuries. Wes Rogers was hit by a pitch in the helmet, and Forrest Wall appeared to injure his shoulder diving back to second base on a pickoff. Luis Jean capped the four-run frame with an RBI-triple, scoring Drew Weeks from first base.

The Tourists added two runs in the seventh off Brad Salgado, who gave up a home run to Dom Nunez, his second of the series and of the season.

Kannapolis drew four straight walks - all with two outs - in the bottom of the eighth to get on the board. Jared McCrummen took over following the four free passes by Blake Shouse and struck out Mason Robbins to end the walk-a-thon. McCrummen tossed a scoreless ninth for the save (4).

Zach Thompson (2-2) took the loss, giving up four runs (two earned) on seven hits with a walk and a strikeout over 6.0 innings.

The Intimidators hit into four double plays on the night, a new season-high.

Kannapolis begins a four-game series against the West Virginia Power (Pittsburgh Pirates) on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. on an Arby's Two-for-Tuesday at Intimidators Stadium supported by Carolinas HealthCare System. Gates open at 6 p.m., and 2-for-1 tickets are available with any Arby's Proof of Purchase. For ticket and promotional information, call the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or visit IntimidatorsBaseball.com.