From staff & wire reports
CHICAGO— East Rowan grad Bobby Parnell is now entrenched as the New York Mets closer while Frank Francisco is on the 15-day disabled list and manager Terry Collins is confident he can get the job done.
Parnell has struggled in the closer’s role in the past, converting only six of 12 save opportunities last season. He has seven career saves in 22 chances.
Collins said Parnell’s “confidence is much better,” earning him the nod. Parnell is 1-1 with 15 holds and a 3.19 ERA in 36 appearances this season. He has 31 strikeouts in 31 innings pitched.
Kannapolis Legion rolls
Wes Miller had four hits and Ryan Keziah pitched six strong innings as the Kannapolis American Legion team whipped the Mooresville Legends 9-2 on Monday.
Evan Holub drove in two runs for second-place Kannapolis. Miller, Corey Seager, Jordan Goodman and Austin Mace knocked in one each.
Luke Pepper and Jarrin Hogue finished up on the mound for Kannapolis (12-4, 11-4).
Hogue’s double was Kannapolis’ only extra-base hit.
Andrew Meadows had two hits for the fourth-place Legends (10-7, 9-7).
Junior Legion
Lake Norman scored three runs in the seventh inning to overcome the Rowan Junior Legion 5-4 on Monday night.
Hunter Brooks had three hits and Harrison Baucom two for Rowan.
Rowan plays a non-league game at Newman Park tonight against Kernersville.
Youth track
The Hurley YMCA Warriors had a great practice meet at the new indoor JDL Fast Track in Winston Salem.
The following Warriors participated and received ribbons
Lauren Dorman: 60 meters (11.73), mile run (7:40), 800 meters (3:19)
Alex Trexler: 60 meters (10.46), 400 (1:23), 200 (36.07)
Andrew Burgess: 60 meters (8.76) mile (5:35), 800 (2:32)
Lindsay Dorman: 60 meters (10.07), mile (7:17), 800 (3:20)
Next is the AAU Junior Olympics Qualifier at UNC Charlotte on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Top 5 in running events will qualify to Junior Olympics in Houston Texas and top 4 in field events will qualify for Houston.
Youth golf
Michael Childress, 12, shot a 75 and finished second in the 12-13 age group in the Western North Carolina Optimist Qualifier held at Catawba Country Club on Monday.
The winner shot 73.
Kannapolis Intimidators lose
The Hickory Crawdads defeated Kannapolis 6-2 on Monday at CMC-NorthEast Stadium to snap the Intimidators’ six-game winning streak. Hickory’s Rougned Odor blasted a two-out homer in the first inning, and Chris Grayson connected on a three-run blast.
The Intimidators continue a four-game series against the Crawdads tonight.