Beggs fans 7 in rain-shortened win

GREENSBORO, N.C. (June 25, 2018) -- The Grasshoppers built a big lead with a 5-run third inning in a rain-shortened win, 7-1 in seven innings, on Monday at First National Bank Field. Greensboro and Kannapolis played the final two innings in soggy conditiongs before umpires halted play at 8:50 p.m. in the middle of the seventh inning.
Dustin Beggs (3-1) struck out seven batters over 5.0 innings, working around a run on four hits while walking none in his fourth start and 14th appearance this season. Travis Neubeck tossed a pair of scoreless relief innings, striking out three and giving up two hits to close the game for Greensboro. Kannapolis starter Luis Ledo (3-1) suffered the loss, allowing four runs (three earned) on two hits and three walks in 2 and 1/3 innings.  
With the game tied 1-1 through two innings, the Hoppers took advantage of a pair of walks to open the home half of the third. Jose Devers laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Garvis Lara and Thomas Jones into scoring position, and Marcos Rivera followed with an RBI-single to put Greensboro ahead, 2-1. With Kevin Escorcia replacing Ledo on the mound, Lazaro Alonso grounded a ball to Intimidators third baseman Anthony Villa, who misfired into shallow right field while trying to nab a runner at second base. The error provided Greensboro another run and left two base runners, whom Isael Soto drove in with a 2-run triple for a 5-1 lead. Soto crossed the plated on a dropped fly ball by right field Craig Dedelow for a 6-1 advantage.  
Greensboro added a run in the bottom of the fourth when Jones and Lara executed a double steal with Jones breaking from first to second base and Lara swiping the plate once Kannapolis tried to catch Jones.  
Monday night's rain delay lasted 32 minutes before the game was called, putting Greensboro back in the win column.
The Grasshoppers and Intimidators wrap up this 3-game series on Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. with gates opening at 11:00 a.m. Tickets are available online at gsohoppers.com.