Gnats make it 18 straight against Kannapolis

Thomas, Simon each drive in two as Intimidators drop fifth straight

By Josh Feldman

August 23, 2015

SAVANNAH, Ga. (August 23, 2015) - The Savannah Sand Gnats came from behind to beat the Intimidators, 9-4, on their way to an 18th consecutive victory on Sunday at Historic Grayson Stadium in Game 1 of a doubleheader. Kannapolis (24-31 Second Half, 59-65) suffered its season-high fifth straight loss.

Toby Thomas built a 2-0 lead for Kannapolis, driving in Louie Lechich with a 2-out double in the first inning and cashing Ryan Plourde on a fielder's choice grounder in the third.

Savannah rallied with two outs in the bottom of the third to take the lead. Five consecutive Sand Gnats hit safely off Kannapolis starter Kelvis Valerio, with Luis Guillorme driving in the tying runs on a base hit. Guillorme finished 1-2 with four RBI to pace the Gnats, and Eudor Garcia went 2-3 while driving in two.

The Gnats batted around to add five runs in the fourth inning, including a two-run double by Natanael Ramos. During the big inning, Kannapolis recorded a 95463 putout on Garcia, who singled to score Jonathan Johnson but got caught up between first and second base.

Alexander Simon dropped a two-run single into the outfield in the fifth inning, cutting Savannah's lead to 8-4, but the Gnats added a run in bottom of the sixth.

Savannah's Josh Prevost (5-4) earned the win, allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits in five innings. Valerio (1-2) suffered the loss, giving up five runs on five hits with two walks and three strikeouts over three innings.

The Intimidators wrap up this four-game series later today at 3:25 p.m. as RHP Thad Lowry (11-7, 4.30 ERA) takes the mound for Kannapolis against the Sand Gnats' RHP Martires Arias (6-5, 2.67 ERA). Kannapolis returns to Intimidators Stadium supported by Carolinas HealthCare System on Tuesday, August 25, to open a four-game home stand against Delmarva. The Intimidators send RHP Luis Martinez (4-12, 5.64 ERA) to the mound against Delmarva's RHP Dariel Delgado (5-3, 3.51 ERA). Tuesday's game is Social Media Night, and Intimidators fans can purchase a Social Media ticket package that includes a reserved seat, a hat, and food voucher for only $10. Tuesday's game is also a Two-for-Tuesday presented by Arby's with 2-for-1 tickets with any Arby's proof-of-purchase. For ticket and promotional information, call the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or visit IntimidatorsBaseball.com.