Kinston knocks off Wilmington

Published in Sports on April 11, 2007 1:47 PM

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KINSTON -- Two K-Tribe pitchers and one borrowed big leaguer combined to pitch a gem Tuesday night as Kinston beat Wilmington 2-1.

Cleveland Indians starter Cliff Lee, on the 15 day disabled list with a strained right abdominal, pitched two shutout innings in a rehab start with the K-Tribe. Lee struck out the side in the first inning, giving up just one hit and striking out four through two innings of work.

Kinston's Ryan Edell pitched five strong innings following Lee, striking out five and allowing just three hits. Kinston reliever Jeff Stevens was once again strong for Kinston, pitching a perfect eighth and ninth inning. Stevens has retired all 15 batters he's faced in five innings of work this season.

Kinston took a 1-0 lead when Chris De La Cruz scored from third after a Wilmington throwing error on an attempted double play.

Wilmington's Kiel Thibault tied the game with an RBI single, scoring Brian McFall in the fifth inning.

The K-Tribe's Josh Rodriguez broke the tie with a lead off solo home run in the bottom of the eighth inning. It was Rodriguez's first home run.

Kinston plays game three of the series today at 7p.m. at Grainger Stadium. K-Tribe right-hander Frank Herrman makes his Carolina League debut against Wilmington's Rowdy Hardy.