Intimidators take series opener from Legends 6-0

(KANNAPOLIS, N.C.) The Kannapolis Intimidators scored three times in the first inning, and their pitching took over from that point as the Intimidators won the opener of a four-game series with the Lexington Legends 6-0 in Kannapolis Monday night.

Kenny Williams reached second on a throwing error by Lexington shortstop Brandon Wikoff to start the bottom of the first. Drew Garcia followed with a bunt single, sending Williams to third. A single by Brandon Short scored Williams, and a ground rule double by Jon Gilmore brought Garcia home with the second run. After Jared Mitchell was called out on strikes, Kyle Shelton singled, scoring Short to give Kannapolis a 3-0 lead.

Lexington starter Kyle Greenwalt, who pitched the first five innings, did not allow another baserunner after the first inning, and struck out nine batters, his season high. But the Legends couldn't break through against Kannapolis right-hander Nevin Griffith and two relievers.

Kannapolis scored a run in the seventh on a double by Shelton and a single by Josh Phegley, and added two more in the eighth on Short's RBI single and an RBI fielder's choice by Jared Mitchell.

Griffith (3-4), who went six innings, struck out six and walked one, got the win. Greenwalt (7-12) took the loss. The Legends have now dropped seven straight. The series resumes with a 7:05 p.m. game Tuesday.