Knights Drop Sunday's Finale to Clippers 4-3
Published on May 6, 2018 under International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release
(COLUMBUS, OH) -- The Charlotte Knights fell just short in the finale of their four-game series against the Columbus Clippers by a score of 4-3 on Sunday afternoon from Huntington Park in Columbus, OH. The Knights battled back in the top of the ninth inning and scored one run, but were unable to get past the Clippers in Sunday's game four matchup.
With the game tied at 2-2 in the eighth inning, Columbus catcher Eric Haase hit a two-run home run off Charlotte reliever Juan Minaya (0-2, 6.10), who was saddled with the loss. The Clippers took a 4-2 lead into the ninth inning, but ran into a bit of trouble.
Second baseman Jake Elmore and shortstop Eddy Alvarez hit back-to-back singles in the ninth inning with one out. Left fielder Jacob May then drove home Elmore on a sacrifice fly, which cut the lead by one, 4-3. Still, that was all the Knights could muster in the final inning and dropped the finale on Sunday.
Charlotte first baseman Casey Gillaspie had two of the team's nine hits, including a solo home run in the sixth inning off Columbus starter Stephen Fife. Gilaspie's sixth-inning blast was his first of the season. Elmore finished the game 2-for-4 with a run scored, an RBI, and a stolen base.
RHP Michael Kopech started for the Knights and did not factor in the decision. Kopech, who is the reigning Chicago White Sox Minor League Pitcher of the Month (April), gave up two runs on just one hit over three innings of work. The number two prospect in Chicago's system walked four batters and struck-out three.
The Knights will now make the trek to Lawrenceville, GA to open a four-game series against the Gwinnett Stripers (Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves) on Monday night. Pre-game radio coverage of Monday's 7:05 p.m. game will begin at 6:50 p.m. on 730 The Game ESPN Charlotte and CharlotteKnights.com. The "Voice of the Charlotte Knights" Matt Swierad will have the call for all of the action.
KNIGHTS KNOTES: Charlotte relievers Jeanmar Goméz and Xavier Cedeño pitched out of the bullpen on Sunday. Goméz struck-out three batters over two shutout innings. Cedeño struck-out one batter in a scoreless sixth inning... The Knights lead the International League in steals with 29... The Knights dropped three of four games in the series to the Clippers... Charlotte will return home to BB&T Ballpark on Friday, May 11th for a three-game series against the Durham Bulls... On Saturday, May 12th, the Knight will host their 13th Annual Pink Knights game presented by Charlotte Radiology.
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