08/15/07 — K-Tribe offense erupts early

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K-Tribe offense erupts early

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on August 15, 2007 1:47 PM

KINSTON -- Josh Rodriguez ripped a first-inning home run and Kinston escaped Salem 3-2 in a crucial Southern Division contest Tuesday evening at historic Grainger Stadium.

Rodriguez's one-out dinger, his team-leading 18th of the season, highlighted a three-run outburst. Matt Whitney and Chris Gimenez also ripped first-inning homers, giving Kinston 130 for the year.

Jim Deters tossed a three-hitter in five innings and seized his 10th victory in 13 decisions. Salem manufactured an earned run off the right-hander, who lowered his ERA to 2.00.

Chris Niesel threw three perfect innings of relief and Scott Roehl notched his 22nd save of the season.

With the victory, Kinston (32-18) leads Salem by seven games in the Southern Division. The K-Tribe claimed their third consecutive win and handed the Avalanche (25-25) their third straight defeat.