From staff reports
Baseball is a game of redemption.
John Ziznewski struck out to end a Kannapolis Intimidators loss on Thursday. His grand slam keyed a 5-2 win against visiting Hagerstown on Friday.
Yency Almonte earned the win (7-4), working seven scoreless innings, allowing one hit while walking three and striking out three.
He worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the first after walking a batter and hitting two men.
Ziznewski cranked his first professional home run over the right-center field wall in the second inning for a 4-0 lead.
In the fifth, Kannapolis added to its lead when Louie Lechich singled home Eddy Alvarez
Matt Cooper retired the side in order in the ninth for his eighth save.
The Intimidators and Suns continue their four-game series Saturday at 6:05 p.m.

Youth baseball
The East Rowan Diamond Sports 9U all-star team has made Rowan County history by reaching the final four in the Cal Ripken Southeast Regional in North Augusta, S.C.
East Rowan reached the final four by defeating Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., 3-2 on Friday.
Down 2-1 in the fifth, East Rowan scored two runs to take the lead.
In the sixth, Palm Beach Gardens put two men on base and got a single to center field. East Rowan’s center fielder Braeden Shive made a perfect throw to the plate to cut down a runner trying to score . Catcher Morgan Padgett made the tag to seal the win.
East Rowan will play Glen Allen, Va., next.
The winner will move on to the finals for the Cal Ripken Southeastern Championship.

Local golf
In the eGolf Tour’s Cabarrus Classic, Corey Nagy took first place by shooting 18-under on Friday.
He won $11,500.
Salisbury’s Frank Adams III shot 4-under for three rounds.
He finished 22nd and won $1,350.

Yard sale/fundraiser
Rowan Little League’s 14U softball all-stars are holding a yard sale Saturday from 7 until noon at Yang Family Dentistry.