Two-Run Single in Ninth Wins It For Lakewood

Josh Tobias hit a two-run single in the bottom of the ninth inning, giving the Lakewood BlueClaws a 5-4 victory over the Kannapolis (N.C.) Intimidators on Thursday night in South Atlantic League play at FirstEnergy Park.

It was the third walk-off win of the season for Lakewood, the Philadelphia Phillies’ low Class A farm team. The BlueClaws won the first game of the series from the 23-44 Intimidators, who suffered their eighth straight loss. Lakewood (27-39) has won six of its last seven home games.

In the ninth, Jiandido Tromp drew a two-out walk from Yelmison Peralta (0-4) to load the bases for Tobias. The SAL mid-season All-Star lined a 1-0 pitch to center, scoring Carlos Duran and Zach Coppola as the crowd of 6,134 patrons roared its approval.

In the top of the ninth, the Intimidators went ahead 5-4 as Edgar Garcia (1-0) gave up two runs, one on a wild pitch and one on a single by Antonio Rodriguez that put the Chicago White Sox farm team in front.

Every Lakewood player had at least one hit with Coppola, Tobias, Jose Pujols and Brendon Hayden stroking two hits each.

Lakewood tied the game at two with two runs in the second. Hayden singled home the first run and Duran followed with a fielder’s choice groundout for the second run.

In the third, Pujols hit a leadoff triple and scored on a single by Austin Bosart for a 3-2 lead.

Lakewood starter Drew Anderson worked six innings, allowing two runs, striking out two and walking none.

The series continues Friday at 7:05 p.m. Righty Jose Taveras (2-5 will start for Lakewood opposite right-hander Luis Martinez (1-6). It’s Fireworks Night.