Power Win Series, Take Game Four 6-1

The Kannapolis Intimidators have had trouble defending their own turf this season as they lose the finale of a four-game series to the West Virginia Power on Tuesday afternoon by the score of 6-1. The Power (9-10) won three games in the series and the loss drops the Intimidators to 3-9 in their first 12 home games.

The Intimidators (9-11) scored first with a solo home run by Nick Ciolli, who had three hits on the day, but the team ended the day with only four hits as a team and the one run. Gabriel Alvarado got the start and went four innings before the game was handed to the bullpen. Duke Welker (1-0) picked up his first win of the season as he pitched a clean seventh, where he loaded the bases with walks but struck out the side. Maurice Bankston and Zach Foster each pitched two scoreless of relief.

The Power, trailing by one, scored three in each the third and eighth innings. In the third off lefty starter Matt Wickswat (0-2), the Power had Evan Chambers work a walk, before a double by David Rubenstein, a sacrifice fly by Jesus Brito and back-to-back doubles by both Aaron Baker and Rogelio Noris made it 3-1. Wickswat, in his best outing of the season went seven innings, allowing seven hits and three runs while striking out seven.

The Power in the eighth got three straight singles and a sacrifice fly to push in three more runs. Two errors on Intimidators outfielders helped the Power tally three for the second time in the game, this time off reliever Zach Piccola.

After going 0-11 last season, the win is the first for Duke Welker. The Power belted out more than ten hits in each of their three wins in the series.

The Intimidators will be back in action on Wednesday against the Lakewood BlueClaws, the team that ousted the Intimidators from the playoffs last season at 7:05. Matt Hopps (0-1) goes in search of his first win and he will be opposed by Opening Week Pitcher of the Week Nick Hernandez (2-0).