Knights cannot hold off charging Bulls, lose 6-4
June 18, 2006 - International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release
Charlotte manufactured runs early but not often as they fell to their International League rival Durham Bulls 6-4. Despite the loss, the Knights still hold the best record in baseball at 48-21.
The Knights jumped out to the early lead once again with three doubles in the first inning. Leadoff man Andy Gonzalez, designated hitter Ernie Young and right-fielder Ruben Rivera all doubled in the first helping Charlotte to plate three runners through just one inning.
Charlotte added another run in the second after first baseman Bobby Smith came around to score. Smith led off the half inning with a double.
Durham would have the answer in the second and third innings. Bull's designated hitter Shawn Riggans would score after reaching due to an error on Knights pitcher Stephen Randolph in the second. While in the third it was Durham first baseman Kevin Witt hitting his league leading 18th home run with one runner aboard tightening the score to 4-3.
Both offenses would be held scoreless until the seventh inning when Durham added two runs to take their first lead of the ballgame at 5-4. It was Witt who delivered with a two-RBI single upping his game RBI total to four. Durham was not done as they added another run in the eighth after a Joey Gathright capitalized with an RBI single extending the lead 6-4.
That score is where it would stay as the Knights failed to rally in the eighth or ninth innings and fall to the instate rival. Durham closer John Switzer held the Knights offense at bay and picked up the save while Durham starter Chris Seddon picked up the win. Newly acquired Charlotte pitcher Matt Skrmetta was given the loss.
The Knights and the Bulls move the series up the interstate to Durham for a two-game series starting tomorrow afternoon. The two teams will finish a game that was not completed earlier in the season due to rain before the scheduled nine inning game tomorrow.
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