Good Start: Power win DH opener 3-2

The West Virginia Power edged the Kannapolis Intimidators 3-2 Friday afternoon at Appalachian Power Park. The Power led 2-0 after one inning and scored the winning run in the bottom of the eighth to snap a three game slide in the first of two games to be played today.

In the bottom of the first, Gregory Polanco staked the Power to a 1-0 lead on a two-out home run to right-centerfield. It was the outfielder's team best eighth of the year. Willy Garcia followed with a single and scored on a Dan Gamache triple for a 2-0 lead.

West Virginia starter Matt Benedict was sharp over the first three innings, retiring eight of the first nine batters and needing only 21 pitches to do so. In the fourth, the Intimidators scored twice to tie the game, utilizing one hit, a hit batter, a stolen base, and two walks to do so.

Benedict and Kannapolis starter Kevin Vance each continued to pitch well, though neither factored in the decision. Vance tossed six innings and allowed just the three first inning hits. Benedict pitched through the end of the seventh inning in his longest outing of the season.

In the bottom of the eighth, Francisco Aponte singled to shallow left and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. With two outs, the Intimidators walked Polanco intentionally. Garica singled to left to drive in Aponte for the eventual winning run.

Rinku Singh (1-1) pitched two shutout innings behind Benedict and earned the win while Steve Upchurch (1-1) was charged with the loss.

West Virginia and Kannapolis will play game two of this day-night doubleheader this evening at 7:05 pm at Appalachian Power Park.