August 22, 2019–6:30 p.m.
KEVIN KAREL
The Rome offense took a step back from its Tuesday exploits in a 4-2 defeat at the hands of the Kannapolis Intimidators on Wednesday afternoon. Hits with runners in scoring position were especially hard to come by as Kannapolis evened the series and set up a rubber game for the finale.
The Intimidators got to Braves starter RHP Ricky DeVito for three runs by the 3rd and never trailed. Kannapolis outfielder Cameron Simmons hit a solo homer in the 2nd inning and two runs scored on a double in the 3rd, making it 3-0 in favor of the visitors.
Rome got its only run-scoring rally of the day in the 6th against Kannapolis starter RHP Jason Bilous. Michael Harris opened the inning with a single. Greg Cullen followed with an RBI double into deep right-center field, scoring Harris. Shea Langeliers would later bring in Cullen on an RBI single into left against a draw-in infield.
Now trailing 3-2, Rome would get no closer. A double-play ball ended the threat in the 6th and the Braves would then fall behind 4-2 by the 8th inning. They put up a fight in the 9th. Hagen Owenby led off with a single and Brendan Venter was then hit by a pitch. With the tying on base and nobody out, Rome tried a sacrifice bunt but it failed. A strikeout and groundout ended the inning and game as the Braves left two runners stranded and lost 4-2.
Rome finished the afternoon going 1-10 with runners in scoring position.
DeVito received the loss, pitching 4 innings and allowing three runs on six hits. He struck out four and walked one. RHP Jose Montilla fared well in relief. He threw 3 innings and surrendered no runs and just one hit. He struck out three and walked one.
Cullen went 3-4 with a double and an RBI. Owenby was 2-3 with a walk. Langeliers went 1-4 with an RBI and Harris was 1-2 with two walks and a stolen base.
Rome and Kannapolis conclude their three-game series on Thursday evening. First pitch of Game 3 is scheduled for 7 pm from State Mutual Stadium.
Rome is expected to start LHP Dilmer Mejia (7-3, 2.37) while Kannapolis will counter with RHP Johan Dominguez (4-4, 2.85).
Rome Braves (29-29, 59-68) 2 R 7 H 0 E
Kannapolis Intimidators (28-30, 56-70) 4 R 8 H 1 E
W: Jason Bilous (6-8)
L: Ricky DeVito (0-2)
S: Austin Conway (9)
Time: 2:40
Attendance: 1,204