'Hens Take Game One, Beat the Knights 6-1 Friday
Published on August 14, 2015 under International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release
(TOLEDO, OH) - Tim Melville allowed just one run over seven solid innings, Mike Hessman chipped in with two hits, and the Toledo Mud Hens beat the Charlotte Knights 6-1 on Friday in the opening game of the three-game series from Fifth Third Field in Toledo, OH.
Melville (5-9, 4.97) gave up just one hit over his seven innings en route to his first win since July 20 at Lehigh Valley. The 25-year-old struck-out a season-high eight batters and walked two on the night. Friday's victory was his second against the Knights in 2015. The Missouri native also beat the Knights back on April 28 at BB&T Ballpark.
Toledo jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the first inning thanks to Hessman, who tripled home Marc Krauss for the game's first run. Hessman, who recently became Minor League Baseball's all-time home run king, tripled for the fourth time this season. He finished the game 2-for-4 with the triple and the RBI.
The Mud Hens added to their lead in the next inning thanks to Alexi Casilla, who doubled home two runs off Charlotte starter Hector Noesi (1-3, 4.05). Casilla's two-run double put the 'Hens up by a score of 3-0 after just two full innings.
Charlotte scored their one and only run of the game in the top of the fourth inning and did so without recording a hit. Chicago White Sox outfielder J.B. Shuck, who was making his second appearance with the Knights on his major league rehab assignment, walked to start the inning. Two batters later after a wild pitch and a Drew Garcia groundout, Shuck scored on a sacrifice fly from Jason Coats. The RBI for Coats was his team-high 72nd of the season.
The Mud Hens tacked on three more runs along the way, highlighted by a two-run fifth inning against Noesi, who was saddled with the loss. The Charlotte starter allowed five runs on nine hits over six innings of work.
Toledo's final run of the game came in the bottom of the eighth inning off Charlotte reliever Jarrett Casey. Josh Wilson singled home Corey Jones to make it a 6-1 ballgame at that point. The Mud Hens combined to record 11 hits in the opener.
In the ninth, Toledo reliever Guldo Knudson allowed one hit, but recorded the necessary three outs to end the game. Knudson, who came on in the eighth inning, earned his 10th save of the season.
The two teams will continue their series at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday from Fifth Third Field. RHP Kyle Drabek (6-7, 3.20) will get the start for the Knights against LHP Mike Belfiore (5-11, 5.60) for the Mud Hens. Pre-game radio coverage begins at 6:45 p.m. on ESPN 730 AM and www.charlotteknights.com. The "Voice of the Knights" Matt Swierad will have the call for all of the action.
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