Avalanche comes down on K-Tribe

Published in Sports on July 13, 2007 1:48 PM

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SALEM, Va. -- Nathan Panther celebrated his birthday with a three-hit outing, but Salem spoiled the party with a 5-1 decision over Kinston on Thursday evening.

The K-Tribe collected five hits off Avalanche hurler Brad James, a Carolina League All-Star selection. But inning-ending double plays killed first- and third-inning rallies for Kinston.

James (9-2) yielded a pair of hits over the next five innings and allowed seven overall in eight innings of work. The K-Tribe ruined James' shutout bid when John Drennen scored on an eighth-inning wild pitch.

Kinston stranded nine runners overall.

Frank Herrmann surrendered eight hits and five earned runs in a five-inning stint. Salem's Mitch Einertson slapped a two-run, first-inning home run off Herrmann, who took the mound loss.

Chris Johnson's RBI double and Cesar Quintero's RBI single extended the Avalanche lead to 4-0. Einertson provided an RBI double in the fifth and finished off Herrmann, who dropped to 6-4 for the season.

Kinston relievers Mike Finocchi and Kyle Collins held Salem scoreless the final three innings.

The teams continue their four-game series tonight with Kinston hurler Ryan Edell seeking his 10th win of the season.