Johnson's Triple Propels Knights to 5-2 Win Saturday
April 14, 2012 - International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release
(Norfolk, VA) - Dan Johnson hadn't hit a triple in nearly five years. He picked a great time to hit one on Saturday.
With the game tied 2-2 in the top of the ninth inning, Johnson ripped a go-ahead RBI triple, Ozzie Martinez added a two run single later in the frame, and the Knights snapped a three-game losing streak with a 5-2 victory over the Norfolk Tides on Saturday night from Harbor Park in Norfolk, VA.
The final inning started with a single off the bat of DH Conor Jackson, which came against Norfolk reliever Willie Eyre (0-1, 10.50). Johnson then stepped to the plate with the go-ahead run on first.
After beginning the season by hitting safely in seven-straight games, Johnson went 0-2 on Thursday. On Friday, he received a day off. One night later, he would lead his team to victory.
On a 2-1 count from Eyre, Johnson roped a triple - his first since May 30, 2007 (Oakland A's), and Jackson came around to score and give the Knights their third lead of the game. This time, however, it was a lead they would not relinquish.
Four batters later, Martinez added to the Charlotte lead with a two-run double to center field, which made it a 5-2 game at that point. After starting the year 0-20, Martinez now has three hits over his last two games.
Knights reliever Leyson Septimo (1-0, 0.00), who entered the game in relief of starter Terry Doyle in the seventh inning, returned in the ninth and shut the door on the Tides. In all, Septimo tossed the final 2.1 innings to earn his first win of the season.
Doyle allowed two runs on six hits over 6.2 innings and did not factor in the decision.
The win for Charlotte (4-6) was their third in seven chances against Norfolk this season. Right fielder Greg Golson chipped in with his third three-hit game of 2012. He also had three hits in Friday's game. Catcher Hector Gimenez extended his hit-streak to six games with a double in the second inning.
The two teams will wrap up the series on Sunday at 1:15 p.m. in the finale from Harbor Park in Norfolk. LHP Eric Stults (1-0, 0.00) will toe the rubber for the Knights, while RHP Jason Berken (0-0, 0.00) will start for Norfolk. Charlotte then returns home on Monday, April 16 for a seven-game homestand at Knights Stadium.
Tommy Viola Director of Media Relations Charlotte Knights Baseball Club tommyv@charlotteknights.com
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