Kannapolis Blanks Columbia in 4-0 Shutout Win Friday

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. – Three pitchers combined for a complete-game shutout in the third win in a row for the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, who notched a, 4-0, victory over the Columbia Fireflies Friday night at Atrium Health Ballpark.

With the win, the Ballers move to 29-19 on the season, jumping to a 4.5 game lead in the Carolina League South division. Columbia slides to 24-23, just one game above .500 but still comfortable in second place in the division.

RHP Grant Taylor turned in his best performance of the season, striking out seven in four shutout innings of action. The former LSU righty walked just one and and allowed two hits. LHP Tommy Vail earned his first professional victory, striking out three in three innings of work, allowing a pair of hits. RHP Luke Bell wrapped up the shutout performance, striking out a season-high four in two frames, allowing a tandem of Columbia base knocks.

Kannapolis scored their first runs of the ballgame in the bottom of the second inning, tallying back-to-back RBI singles from Ryan Burrowes and Drake Logan to go ahead, 2-0, after a pair of innings. With the first run driven in in the game, Burrowes now has three games in a row of RBI base-hits in the lineup.

Ryan Galanie crossed the plate in the bottom of the third, scampering home on a wild pickoff attempt from Columbia’s starting arm to extend Kannapolis’ lead to, 3-0. Later in the inning, Arxy Hernandez added a sacrifice fly to center field, permitting Caden Connor to cross the plate and give the Ballers a, 4-0, lead after three.

The Ballers will take the field for the fifth of six games on the week with the Fireflies on Saturday night. First pitch is slated for 7:00 p.m., with RHP Seth Keener taking the mound for Kannapolis on Military Appreciation Night at the ballpark.

Fans can purchase tickets for Saturday’s game or any remaining home games at kcballers.com or at the F&M Bank Box Office located at Atrium Health Ballpark.