Bryan Caceres and Andrew Alvarez combined for the second shutout of the season for the FredNats 3-0 over the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers. The two arms only allowed three hits combined, and also had 13 strikeouts. Leandro Emiliani had two RBI doubles with two outs in two separate innings to pace the team offensively.
It was a pitcher’s duel through the first four until Kannapolis starter Noah Owen walked Jeremy De La Rosa with two outs. Emiliani then came up and smashed a double over the center fielder’s head to score De La Rosa and give the FredNats a 1-0 lead.
That would hold until the 6th, when De La Rosa again came up with two outs and the bases empty. He reached on a drop third strike to extend the inning, and Emiliani once again drove him in with a double to left center field.
Sammy Infante gave the FredNats more insurance driving in Emiliani with an RBI single to make it 3-0.
Caceres went six innings, allowing just three hits, no runs, and he struck out five. He also stranded six Cannon Ballers on base and worked out of any trouble he was in. Alvarez came in and was electric, striking out eight batters in the nine outs he recorded to pick up his first career professional save. He didn’t allow a hit, and walked two but worked out of the trouble. The FredNat defense was also flawless behind the two pitchers.
Fredericksburg and Kannapolis will play again tonight at 7:05 p.m. in Fredericksburg
