Knights Cool off the Tides with 2-1 Win on Saturday
August 11, 2012 - International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release
(Fort Mill, SC) - Greg Golson's double in the seventh inning proved to be the most important hit of the game on Saturday night. It may also prove to be one of the most important hits of the season as well.
Golson broke a 1-1 tie with an RBI double in the seventh inning, RHP Dylan Axelrod (6-4, 2.72) allowed just one run over seven innings, and the first place Charlotte Knights beat second place Norfolk by a score of 2-1 on Saturday in game two of the four-game series. The win helped push Charlotte's lead in the International League South Division back to seven games over Norfolk. A loss could have dropped them to just five games ahead in the standings.
In what was a pitcher's duel from the beginning, both Axelrod and Dana Eveland were sharp on the mound for their respective teams. Both starters went to the fifth inning without allowing a run. The Knights, however, were the first to get on the scoreboard.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Jared Mitchell and Tyler Saladino hit back-to-back singles to begin the frame. Tommy Manzella then stepped to the plate and ripped an RBI double, which scored Mitchell from third base to give the Knights a 1-0 lead. It was Manzella's first RBI as a member of the Knights.
Two innings later, Norfolk threatened to get on the scoreboard against Axelrod and the Knights. A leadoff walk to Ronny Paulino, followed by a single from Columbia, SC native Brandon Waring gave the Tides two runners on base with no outs.
Two batters later, Jamie Hoffman came through with an RBI double to tie the game at 1-1. With just one out in the inning, Axelrod was not yet out of dodge.
Charlotte pitching coach Richard Dotson approached the mound to talk to his young right-hander. It worked. Axelrod then struck-out Xavier Avery for the second out of the inning and with runners on second and third and two outs, he got L.J. Hoes to ground out to end the inning.
In the bottom of the inning, with the game tied 1-1, Golson had a chance to become the hero. On a 3-2 count, Golson lined a double to center field and Saladino came around to score what proved to be the game-winning run.
Relievers Anthony Carter and Donnie Veal each worked a scoreless inning in the game two win. Veal struck-out one batter in the ninth to record his second save of the season.
The Knights will continue their series with the Tides on Sunday at 2:15 p.m. LHP Charlie Leesman is expected to make the start for Charlotte, while Norfolk will send RHP Jake Arrieta to the mound. Gates open at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday.
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