Knights Drop Thursday's Opener to Clippers 4-2
May 3, 2018 - International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release
(COLUMBUS, OH) - RHP Donny Roach was solid over seven strong innings, but the Charlotte Knights dropped the opening game of their three-game series against the Columbus Clippers by a score of 4-2 on Thursday from Huntington Park in Columbus, OH. Columbus shortstop Yu Chang launched a game-winning, two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning off Charlotte reliever Gregory Infante (0-2, 10.13) to win the game.
Roach was sharp once again for the Knights, but did not factor in the decision. The 28-year-old right-hander tossed his fifth quality start of the 2018 season, allowing just two runs on six hits over seven innings of work. He walked two batters and struck-out four. Roach is 3-1 with a 3.16 ERA in six starts this season with the Knights.
Charlotte's first run of the game came in the top of the second inning on a solo home run from DH Matt Skole, his first of the season. His solo home run gave the Knights an early 1-0 lead. The Clippers battled back and scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to take a 2-1 lead.
The Knights answered back in the top of the eighth inning to tie things up. First baseman Casey Gillaspie led the inning off with a double and quickly advanced to third on left fielder Jacob May's sacrifice bunt. With the tying run on third base and just one out, Gillaspie scored on a sacrifice-fly from right fielder Todd Cunningham. At that point, the game was knotted at 2-2.
Although Infante worked a perfect eighth inning, he had his struggles with the game tied in the ninth inning. After getting Eric Haase to strike out to start the bottom of the ninth inning, he gave up a double to Brandon Barnes. With the winning run in scoring position, Chang ended the game with one swing of his bat. His second home run of the season proved to be the difference and it gave the Clippers a walk-off win.
The Knights will move on from Thursday's loss and continue their four-game series against the Columbus Clippers (Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians) on Friday. Pre-game radio coverage for Friday's 7:15 p.m. game will begin at 7:00 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 shortstop Jos̩ Rond́n extended his hit streak to eight-straight games. He has 12 hits over that seven-game span... The Knights managed just three hits in Wednesday's game... Columbus RHP Shane Bieber made his Triple-A debut on Thursday and allowed just one run over six innings... Columbus RHP Luke Eubank earned the win... The Knights will return home to BB&T Ballpark on Friday, May 11th for a three-game series against the Durham Bulls... Through 13 home games this season, the Knights are leading Minor League Baseball in attendance with 115,487 fans through the gates.
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