Daris Vargas has pitched well since joining the Charleston RiverDogs, jumping out to a 4-0 start, but a lack of run support in his last start spoiled his undefeated record. Thursday night that would be the case again, this time he would allow just one hit and a run, but the RiverDogs would strand 12 in falling 1-0.

Vargas would be opposed by Zach Thompson and the two starters would keep this a scoreless tie through the first four frames. The Kannapolis Intimidators had their chance to jump out in front in the top of the first. Johan Cruz singled with one out and Cody Daily and Seby Zavala drew back-to-back walks to load the bases with two outs. However, Vargas was cool as ever, striking out Danny Mendick to end the threat. That single would be the lone hit he would allow.

In the fifth, the Intimidators would finally grab the lead. Bradley Strong walked with one out and Tyler Sullivan was then hit by a pitch to put two on with one out. A walk to Johan Cruz loaded the bases and Strong scored on a ground out to make it 1-0. That would be the only offense that would be generated.

Thompson had pitched extremely well, but none better than he did in the bottom half of the fifth. The RiverDogs looked to get the run right back, and looked like they would get that and much more. Back-to-back singles by Nathan Mikolas and Leonardo Molina started the innig and Jeff Hendrix walked to load the bases with no one out. This had big inning written all over it, but Thompson struck out Hoy Jun Park and Chris Gittens before getting Connor Spencer to ground out to end the inning. It was an absolute fantastic ending to his night.

Both Vargas and Thompson would be done after five. Vargas (4-2) allowed the lone hit and a run. He walked 4 and struck out 2. Thompson gave up 6-hits and a walk, but did not allow a run. He struck out 7.

From there it was a game of bullpens. Charleston looked to keep it just one run to give the offense a chance to get the run back. Anyelo Gomez pitched the final four innings for the RiverDogs, and did not allow any hits. He walked 2 and struck out 5.

Three relievers finished out the shutout for the Intimidators. Tanner Mendonca, Jack Charleston, and Yelmison Peralta pitched the final four innings, allowing 3-hits combined, 2-walks, while striking out 5. Peralta pitched the final two-thirds for his first save of the season.

The Charleston RiverDogs had their chances. Hendrix finished 3-4 with a walk. The team went 0-10 with runners in scoring position.

The loss was the RiverDogs fifth in six games.

These two teams continue their series tomorrow night. Christian Morris (3-1, 2.22) heads to the hill for the Charleston RiverDogs versus Tanner Banks (6-3, 2.57) for the Intimidators.

Boxscore

By Robert Pannier