Garabitos Dominates in 5-3 Carolina Victory

August 24, 2022 – Carolina League (CarL) – Carolina Mudcats News Release

KANNAPOLIS – Pablo Garabitos struck out eight over five scoreless innings in relief, Eduarqui Fernandez went 3-for-4 with a home run and Robert Moore extended his hitting streak to seven straight as the Carolina Mudcats defeated the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers 5-3 on Wednesday night at Atrium Health Ballpark in Kannapolis.

Carolina (28-22, 62-54) struck first when Fernandez homered off Kannapolis (25-25, 51-65) starter Martin Carrasco in the second. That 1-0 lead lasted only through the top of the frame though as the Cannon Ballers came right back with a Victor Torres RBI double off Carolina starter Logan Henderson. That run tied the game at 1-1 and was the only run allowed by Henderson who struck out four over his two inning start. Carrasco also allowed just one run while striking out seven over four innings.

With the game tied 1-1, Garabitos (5-0) took over in relief in the third and went on to pitch through five scoreless frames with eight strikeouts and five hits. His eight strikeouts were a new career-high and his five-inning scoreless effort was his third straight giving him 15.0 consecutive scoreless innings over his last three outings.

With Garabitos working through his gem in relief, the Mudcats would go on to score twice in the sixth and twice in the seventh while taking a 5-1 lead. Their two-run lead in the sixth included a sac fly from Jace Avina and a RBI double from Fernandez. The seventh saw Robert Moore drive in a run and Jesus Chirinos force in another with a ground out.

Fernandez went 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, one run and two RBI in the game for Carolina Moore went 2-for-5 with a run and a RBI while extending his hitting streak to seven straight games.

Carolina owned a 5-1 lead going into the ninth before reliever Michelle Vassalotti fell into a bases loaded jam while allowing two runs and two hits. Leoni De La Cruz then took over in the ninth with the Carolina lead cut to 5-3 and managed to get the Mudcats through the final frame by getting a flyout with the bases loaded to end the game.

The victory, combined with a Fredericksburg Nationals victory versus the Down East Wood Ducks, kept the Mudcats at 3.5 games back of the first place FredNats in the Carolina League North second half standings. Only 16 games remain this season.

HOME RUNS:

Carolina: Fernandez (2, 2nd inning off Carrasco, 0 on, 2 out).

TOP PERFORMERS – BATTERS:

Fernandez, RF (Carolina): 3-for-4,…