MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com-KANNAPOLIS, NC – Matthew Way dominated the Intimidators on Wednesday night at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium, as Lakewood took a critical Game 1 win, 4-2.

The BlueClaws now lead the best-of-three series, with the teams next headed to New Jersey to continue the set at FirstEnergy Park on Friday night.

Way was the hero for the Phillies affiliate, working seven one-run innings. Way gave up a first inning run, but locked the Intimidators down over the next six innings, striking out seven to pick up the victory.

Intimidators starter and South Atlantic League wins leader Charlie Leesman took the loss, allowing three runs, two earned, in five innings on the mound. Leesman did not get much help from his defense, as Kannapolis made three errors in the contest.
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Kannapolis tallied first, getting an RBI double from Josh Phegley off of Way to score Eduardo Escobar. But the lead was short lived, as Escobar made a two-base throwing error on the first batter of the second inning to set up the equalizer.

Lakewood took the lead for good in the third, using a Travis d’Arnaud RBI single and a wild pitch to plate a pair of runs.

The Intimidators did make things interesting in the ninth against closer Santo Hernandez by bringing the tying run to the plate, but the right-hander struck out Kenny Williams to end the game.

Lakewood had chances throughout the night to put the game away, but was held in check by the Intimidators bullpen. The BlueClaws left 13 men on base and hit into three double plays.

Game 2 is Friday at FirstEnergy Park, with lefty Joe Serafin (3-1) going up against right-hander Trevor May (4-1).

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