MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com - KANNAPOLIS, N.C. - The BlueClaws could not hold on to a late 3-0 lead against Kannapolis on Thursday night, dropping a 4-3 decision at Fieldcrest Cannon Park.
The Intimidators scored two runs in each of the sixth and eighth innings to erase the BlueClaws three-run lead. Danny Jordan drove in the game-winning run with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning off of BlueClaws closer Jared Simon.
ADVERTISEMENT Lakewood jumped out to an early lead with a run in the first inning and two more in the second against Kannapolis ace Anthony Carter. Carter entered the ballgame with a 1.36 ERA, good enough for third in the South Atlantic League, but buckled at the start.
D'Arby Myers walked to start the game and advanced into scoring position thanks to an error from Kannapolis shortstop Greg Paiml. Matt Rizzotti drove Myers in with a two-out base hit to hand the 'Claws a 1- 0 lead.
Lakewood got a pair in the second, once again courtesy of a leadoff walk. Travis Mattair was the beneficiary this time, before Freddy Galvis singled and Derrick Mitchell hit the first BlueClaws triple of the season to drive in both runners.
But Carter settled down after the early stumble, allowing just one more hit in his time on the mound. The Intimidators right-hander went five innings and allowed three runs, two earned, on four hits.
The BlueClaws did not fare much better against the Kannapolis bullpen, as the offense managed just one more hit the rest of the way. Hector Santiago, Santo Luis (3-2) and Henry Mabee combined to pitch four scoreless innings to keep the Intimidators close. Mabee got the final three outs to earn his seventh save of the season.
Jacob Diekman made the start for the 'Claws, looking for his first win of the season. The southpaw was dodging trouble from the get-go, but went unscathed until the sixth. Diekman gave up four straight hits with one out, including RBI hits from John Gallagher and Christian Marrero.
Diekman did not factor in the decision, allowing two runs on nine hits in 5 1/3 innings. The BlueClaws fell to 0-7 in games started by Diekman this season.
Despite the frequent Intimidators chances, the BlueClaws held a 3-2 lead heading to the eighth inning. But with reliever Sergio Escalona (0-1) on the mound, Kannapolis got a pair of baserunners on. Simon entered but could not stem the tide, giving up run-scoring hits to Mike Grace and Jordan.
The loss means the BlueClaws (16-17) will have to run off at least two victories to get above .500 for the first time this season.
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Friday, May 9, 2008 at 10:55AM 
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