Johnson Shines in Knights 2-0 Victory
Published on June 16, 2015 under International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release
(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) - Six days after Charlotte Knights starter RHP Erik Johnson and major-league-rehabber RHP Justin Masterson faced-off in a pitcher's duel that the Pawtucket Red Sox won 2-1 in walk-off fashion, the two hurlers battled again; this time with the Knights coming away with a 2-0 victory.
Johnson (5-5, 3.34) shined on Tuesday night, needing only four innings to tie his career-high of 10 strikeouts. The former second-round pick would go on to set a new career-high of 11 whiffs over six innings of scoreless, three-hit baseball. All three PawSox hits came in the first three innings, and Johnson would end his night by retiring eleven of the final twelve batters he faced. The California native would go on to earn his fifth win of the season, tying him with Jarrett Casey for the team lead.
Masterson (0-2, 3.29) - who was making the third Triple-A start of his major-league rehab assignment - was sharp as well, allowing two runs on four hits over six innings pitched. The eight-year major-league veteran would be saddled with the tough-luck loss after not factoring in the decision in his previous outing against the Knights.
A two-out, RBI-single by Tyler Colvin would score Matt Davidson - who led-off the frame with a single - to give the Knights a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning.
The Knights did not record another hit off of Masterson until the bottom of the sixth inning when Trayce Thompson smacked a line-drive to left field for a two-out, RBI-double that scored Tyler Saladino - who had walked - to put the Knights ahead 2-0.
The PawSox would threaten in the top of the seventh inning, loading the bases with a single and a pair of walks off of Knights reliever RHP Blake Smith, but the 27-year-old righty was able to retire Bryce Brentz for the final out of the inning to preserve the shutout.
Onelki Garcia would relieve Smith to begin the eighth inning and would go on to record the final six outs to earn his first save of the season while completing the Knights fifth shutout of the season. The lefty added five strikeouts to the Knights total of 18, which set a new game-high for the season.
The Knights and Red Sox will continue their three-game series on Wednesday as Scott Carroll and Jess Todd take the mound in a battle of righties. After welcoming 9,118 fans on Tuesday, the Knights will welcome their one millionth fan during Wednesday's game, as they need only 607 patrons to reach the milestone. Wednesday night is also "Caddyshack" night which will include an appearance by Michael O'Keefe, who played Danny Noonan in the iconic film.
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