Kannapolis Unable to Convert Chances, Fall to Shorebirds Push in 8-5 Loss Saturday

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. – An eighth inning grand slam from the Delmarva Shorebirds did the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers in on Saturday evening, sinking Kannapolis’ win streak at four games in an, 8-5, defeat Saturday night at Atrium Health Ballpark.

In what was largely a pitcher’s duel early, LHP Nick Pinto impressed in his final outing of the season, tossing four shutout innings with three walks, two hits and three strikeouts. RHP Kendry Garcia allowed a pair of runs in relief, walking three with two hits and a strikeout. RHP Ryan Schiefer got handed the loss Saturday, allowing two runs on three hits with a walk, but ran into difficulty in getting out of the inning. LHP Frankeli Arias surrendered the grand slam, allowing four runs on three hits despite four strikeouts. LHP Luis Fonseca tossed a clean final frame, striking out a pair despite a leadoff hit.

Kannapolis opened the scoring in the bottom of the fifth, going ahead on an Alexander Albertus sacrifice fly to take a, 1-0, advantage.

The visiting Shorebirds took their first lead of the series since Wednesday night in the sixth, scoring on a double-steal and a Jemone Nuel RBI groundout to pull out in front, 2-1.

Efren Teran knotted the game in the bottom of the sixth on a sacrifice bunt to make it, 2-2, after two-thirds of the game.

Carlos Sanchez and Jimmy Anderson punched a pair of runs in with RBI singles in the top of the seventh, putting the visitors back out ahead, 4-2.

A passed ball on a double steal by the Shorebirds catcher allowed Jake Berkland to scurry home and cut the Delmarva lead to, 4-3, after seven.

The visitors put up a few baserunners with two singles and a walk before Stiven Martinez blasted the first pitch of his eighth inning at-bat 422 feet into left field to make it, 8-3, Delmarva.

Grayson Fitzwater and the Cannon Ballers attempted a late comeback in the bottom of the eighth. The lefty-bat notching his third double of the game to drive in a pair of runs, making it now nine runs driven in on the week.

Kannapolis and Delmarva complete their 2026 Carolina League season on Sunday afternoon on Fan Appreciation Day with a 1:30 first pitch. RHP Alexander Martinez gets the start for Kannapolis against Delmarva’s RHP Esteban Mejia.

Fans can learn more about season ticket memberships, mini plans, group outings, and hospitality packages for the 2027 season by visiting kcballers.com, calling (704) 932-3267 or emailing tickets@kcballers.com for more information.