Lechich drives in three to beat BlueClaws

LAKEWOOD, N.J. (July 28, 2015) - Louie Lechich drove in all three Intimidators runs to beat the BlueClaws, 3-1, on Tuesday at FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood. Kannapolis (17-15 Second Half, 52-49) split its four-game series in Lakewood to secure a winning road trip, taking four of the seven games away from home.

Yency Almonte (8-4) earned the win, tossing six inning and giving up just one run on eight hits while striking out two and walking two. Jose Brito took over in the seventh inning and spun three scoreless, hitless frames for the save (2).  

Lakewood struck first in the home half of the first inning. Chase Harris led off with a double and later scored on a Scott Kingery fielder's choice for a 1-0 lead.

Lechich gave the Intimidators the lead in the top of the third. With the bases loaded and one out, the former University of San Diego Torero singled back up the gut to drive in Ethan Gross and Ryan Plourde for a 2-1 advantage.

Lechich again came through in the top of the seventh. With two men on base and facing a shift, the left-handed hitter pulled the ball into right field off the glove of a diving Kingery, scoring Michael Suiter. Lechich finished 3-4 while running his team-leading RBI total to 54.

Ranfi Casimiro (6-6) took the loss, giving up three runs (two earned) on seven hits over 6 and 2/3 innings.

Following an off day Wednesday, Kannapolis returns to Intimidators Stadium supported by Carolinas HealthCare System on Thursday, July 30, to open a seven-game home stand with four games against the Greensboro Grasshoppers. RHP Zach Thompson (3-4, 4.25 ERA) is slated to start Thursday's game for the Intimidators against Greensboro's RHP Jorgan Cavanerio (2-4, 4.76 ERA). For ticket and promotional information, call the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or visit IntimidatorsBaseball.com.