Knights Beat the Bulls 9-1 on Wednesday
April 23, 2014 - International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release
(Uptown Charlotte, NC) - Deunte Heath was sharp over five scoreless innings, the Charlotte Knights offense pounded out 10 hits on nine runs, and they went on to beat the Durham Bulls 9-1 on Wednesday in front of 9,574 fans at BB&T Ballpark. Charlotte capitalized on two early home runs and a solid start from one of their finest relievers.
The Knights got off to a quick start in the first inning against the first place Bulls. Back-to-back singles by Gorkys Hernandez and Carlos Sanchez started things off against Durham starter Nathan Karns (2-2, 8.02). Andy Wilkins then followed with a big three-run home run to give his team a 3-0 lead. It was the second home run of the season for Wilkins.
Three batters later, Alex Liddi ripped a two-run home run to give Charlotte a 5-0 lead. The home run was Liddi's second of the season.
One inning later, the Knights continued their hot-hitting against the Bulls. Jared Mitchell led the inning off with a triple and scored on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Hernandez. Three batters later, Hector Gimenez came up with a two-run double to give the Knights a commanding 9-0 lead. In all, the Knights tallied eight runs (seven earned) off Karns, who was saddled with the loss. He lasted just two innings on Wednesday.
Heath (1-0, 1.69), who started the game in place of Charlie Leesman, threw 49 pitches on the afternoon and allowed just two hits over five shutout innings for the win. The Atlanta native was called on to start the game when Leesman was promoted to Chicago on Tuesday. It was Heath's first start of the season and first since July 25, 2013.
RHP Frank Francisco made his Knights debut and allowed one run on one hit over one inning. Relievers Taylor Thompson (one inning) and Javy Guerra (two innings) combined to pitch three shutout innings as they closed the door on Charlotte's first win since April 13. Wednesday's win snapped a season-long eight-game losing skid.
The Knights and Bulls will continue their series on Thursday at BB&T Ballpark. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and fans 21 and over can enjoy another Thirsty Thursday game, presented by Hickory Tavern. RHP Scott Carroll (3-1, 1.57) gets the start for the Knights, while the Bulls will go with RHP Matt Andriese (1-1, 3.79). Pre-game radio coverage for Thursday's 7:05 p.m. game starts at 6:50 p.m. on ESPN Radio 730 AM, WRHI 1340 AM and 94.3 FM, and online at www.charlotteknights.com. The "Voice of the Charlotte Knights" Matt Swierad and Mike Pacheco will have the call for all of the action.
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