IL1 Charlotte Knights

Heath, Knights Beat Braves 3-1 Tuesday

Published on July 2, 2014 under International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release


(Uptown Charlotte, NC) - Deunte Heath has quietly become one of the most consistent pitchers in the International League over the past month of the season. On Tuesday, he took another huge step forward.

Heath (5-1, 2.39) allowed just one hit over six scoreless innings, Tyler Saladino and Josh Phegley provided the offense, and the Charlotte Knights beat the Gwinnett Braves 3-1 on Tuesday in the finale of their two-day, three-game series from BB&T Ballpark in Uptown Charlotte. The Knights have won four of their last five games -- all against Gwinnett.

Making his seventh start of the season, Heath tied a career-high by striking out 10 batters over six innings en route to his third-straight win and fourth-straight winning decision dating back to June 9. Over his last three games, Heath has allowed just three runs over 18 innings pitched with 20 strikeouts. Tuesday's win was his 15th in a Knights uniform over parts of four seasons.

Saladino put the Knights on the scoreboard first and did so in the bottom of the third inning with a two-run home run off Gwinnett starter Daniel Rodriguez (4-10, 4.79). The home run was Saladino's ninth of the season and third in two days. He's currently batting .304 on the season.

As for Phegley, his solo home in the bottom of the sixth inning was his 12th of the season and second in as many days. With two more team home runs, the Knights, who lead the International League, now have 102 on the season. In all, 117 home runs have been hit at BB&T Ballpark this year.

Reliever Taylor Thompson recorded the final four outs to earn his fifth save of the season with Charlotte.

The Knights welcomed 8,967 fans through the gates on Tuesday and have now welcomed 411,690 fans to BB&T Ballpark this season - the highest in Minor League Baseball.

Charlotte will now hit the road and head to Norfolk, VA to open a quick two-game series from Harbor Park on Wednesday. RHP Daniel McCutchen will make his Charlotte Knights debut against Norfolk RHP Mike Wright (1-7, 6.23).

While the Knights will be on the road over the next two days, BB&T Ballpark will be open on Thursday, July 3rd to host Team USA against Chinese Taipei at 7:05 p.m. Since it is Thursday, fans can enjoy Thirsty Thursday, presented by Hickory Tavern. After the game, the Knights will light up the Uptown Charlotte skyline with post-game fireworks.

Single-game tickets for the 2014 season at BB&T Ballpark are available by phone at 704-357-8071, online at www.charlotteknights.com, or in person at the BB&T Ballpark Ticket Office.

Check out the Charlotte Knights Statistics

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International League Stories from July 2, 2014


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