Knights Drop Thursday's Finale 5-2
May 7, 2015 - International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release
(COLUMBUS, OH) - Tyler Holt recorded three hits, Jordan Cooper tossed six shutout innings, and the Columbus Clippers beat the Charlotte Knights by a score of 5-2 on Thursday in the finale of their three-game series from Huntington Park in Columbus, OH. Cooper (1-1, 1.98) allowed just three hits and three walks on the day en-route to his first win of the season. The Topeka, KS native struck-out a season-high eight batters.
Both of Charlotte's runs were scored against the Columbus bullpen (three pitchers), which gave up a combined two runs on one hit and six walks over the final three innings. Columbus reliever Shawn Armstrong, who worked the ninth inning, walked the bases loaded and eventually walked in a run in the final frame, which pulled the Knights to within three runs. With the tying run on first base and two outs, Armstrong got Neftali Soto to strike out to end the game.
RHP Junior Guerra (0-1, 1.80) started for the Knights and was sharp over five innings of work. Guerra, who was promoted to Charlotte from Double-A Birmingham on May 5, gave up one run on just one hit and was the hard-luck losing pitcher. The Venezuelan native walked two batters and struck-out seven in the first Triple-A start of his career.
The Knights had four hits in the game - one of which came off the bat of Charlotte slugger Dan Black - who went 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored. Black has now reached base in 25-straight games dating back to July 28, 2014. His 25-game streak is the longest current streak in the International League. Tyler Colvin, Drew Garcia, and George Kottaras all had a hit on the afternoon. Kottaras, who was activated off the DL before the game, reached base in four plate appearances on Thursday (a single and three walks).
Thursday's win gave the Clippers a three-game series sweep over the second place Knights, who have now lost four-straight games.
The Knights will now make the trek to Toledo, OH to open a three-game series with the Toledo Mud Hens on Friday from Fifth Third Field. Charlotte RHP Chris Beck (1-1, 4.78) will get the nod for the Knights in the opener against Toledo RHP Kyle Ryan (0-3, 5.20). The Knights return home to BB&T Ballpark on Monday, May 11th to open a seven-game homestand in Uptown Charlotte. The homestand is highlighted by the 10th Annual Pink Knights game, presented by Charlotte Radiology and Belk, on Saturday, May 16th. The Knights will also pay tribute to the Negro Leagues with a special celebration at BB&T Ballpark on Sunday, May 17th. For additional information, including tickets and more, log on to charlotteknights.com.
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