Four-Run Ninth Propels Knights to 6-5 Win on Thursday
Published on May 3, 2012 under International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release
(Allentown, PA) - The Charlotte Knights scored four runs in the top of the ninth inning and went on to beat the Lehigh Valley IronPigs 6-5 on Thursday night in game three of their four-game series from Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, PA.
With Charlotte trailing Lehigh Valley 5-2 heading into the top of the ninth, outfielder Jordan Danks led things off with a home run - his third of the season. That was the start of an impressive comeback victory for Charlotte on Thursday.
After Jim Gallagher struck-out for the first out in the inning, Charlotte (14-14) recorded three straight hits to load the bases. Although the next batter Ray Olmedo struck-out for the second out in the inning, the table was set for Charlotte's first baseman Dan Johnson, who has been a remarkable hitter on the road this season.
With Johnson at the plate, the IronPigs went to the bullpen and called on reliever Jeremy Horst. Johnson, who entered the game hitting .356 with four home runs on the road this season, roped a single through the middle. Ozzie Martinez and Tyler Kuhn each scored on the play and the Knights and 'Pigs were all tied up at 5-5. The two-run single gave Johnson 12 RBIs on the current road trip (10 games).
With the game now knotted at 5-5, designated hitter Hector Gimenez stepped to the plate with a chance to give the Knights a lead. Gimenez doubled to left field and Greg Golson scored to give Charlotte the 6-5 lead. All four runs were charged to Lehigh Valley reliever Raul Valdes (1-2, 4.50).
In the bottom of the ninth inning, reliever Donnie Veal retired the side in order to pick up his first save of the season. Gregory Infante (1-0, 3.60) was credited with the win. He allowed one run over two innings in relief of Knights starter Charlie Shirek. Shirek allowed four runs (three earned) in six innings.
The win snapped Charlotte's three-game losing streak.
The two teams will conclude their four-game series on Friday at 7:05 p.m. from Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, PA. Matt Zaleski (1-0, 2.57) is the scheduled starter for the Knights in Friday's finale against Pat Misch (1-4, 6.56) for the 'Pigs.
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