Kannapolis scored six runs in the eighth inning to level their series with the BlueClaws on Saturday. ---
Kannapolis scored six runs in the eighth inning to level their series with the BlueClaws on Saturday.
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KANNAPOLIS, NC - Kannapolis used a six-run bottom of the eighth inning to come back and top the BlueClaws 7-2 on Saturday night at Intimidators Stadium, tying the game on Luis González's RBI triple and taking the lead on Alex Call's RBI single.
The BlueClaws lost for just the eighth time all year when leading into the eighth inning. The loss drops Lakewood to 28-34/68-64. The BlueClaws and Intimidators (27-35/66-64) have split the first two meetings in this series, while the BlueClaws fall to 5-1 at Intimidators Stadium this year.
With one out, Raul Rivas misplayed a pop-up at shortstop into an error, and the floodgates subsequently opened. Luis Gonzalez tied the game with an RBI triple. Then Alex Call gave Kannapolis their first lead with an RBI single.
Jake Burger followed with an RBI single to put Kannapolis up 4-2. Then three batters later, Zach Remillard hit a three-run home run to give the Intimidators a six-run inning and a 7-2 lead. It was Remillard's seventh home run of the year and second of the last week against the BlueClaws.
Addison Russ (1-2) was charged with all six runs, but only two were earned, and he took the loss. With Lakewood's loss and Hickory's win over Columbia, the BlueClaws are eight games out with eight games left and can be eliminated with one loss or one Hickory win.
The BlueClaws opened the scoring in the third inning on RBI singles by both Austin Listi and Gregori Rivero. Rivero's single, which came with the bases loaded, scored Darick Hall but Listi was thrown out at home by right fielder Mitch Roman to end the inning.
Kannapolis got on the board in the fourth inning on an RBI single from Zach Remillard to cut the lead to 2-1.
The game remained 2-1 into the eighth inning when Kannapolis scored six times to take the lead. Danny Dopico, who walked the lead-off man in both the seventh and eighth, but did not allow a run, earned the win to improve to 4-4 on the year.
Lakewood starter Felix Paulino gave up one run over seven innings with nine strikeouts but did not get a decision. It was the second time Paulino threw seven innings in a game this year.
Intimidators starter Luis Martinez came out after six innings, allowing two runs on six hits.
Gavin Sheets, Zach Remillard and Jake Burger all had two hits for the Intimidators in their win.
The BlueClaws and Intimidators finish their three-game series on Sunday at 5:05 pm. RHP Adonis Medina (4-9) starts for Lakewood opposite RHP Yelmison Peralta (3-3).
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