Knights Drop Wednesday's Finale to Tides 4-3 in 11 Innings
April 11, 2018 - International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release
(NORFOLK, VA) - The Charlotte Knights dropped the finale of their three-game series against the Norfolk Tides on Wednesday by a score of 4-3 in 11 innings from Harbor Park in Norfolk, VA. The Knights finished up their six-game road trip with a 3-3 overall record. Charlotte won two of three games in Durham at the start of the road trip, before they dropped two of their final three games in Norfolk.
Wednesday's game ended in extra innings with help from Norfolk first baseman Garabez Rosa, who singled home Alex Presley in the bottom of the 11th inning to give the Tides the 4-3 victory. With the new extra-inning rule in full effect -- starting each half-inning with a runner on second base -- the Tides quickly capitalized on that.
Norfolk left fielder Joey Rickard started things off with a leadoff walk, which put runners on first and second with no outs. Center fielder Jaycob Brugman then moved each runner over with a 4-3 groundout. After Michael Saunders was intentionally walked by LHP Robbie Ross Jr. (0-1, 18.00), the Tides had the bases loaded with just one out and a chance to walk-off with a win. That's just what they did.
With two outs in the bottom of the 11th inning, Rosa singled in Presley for the game-winner. It was Charlotte's first extra-inning game of the 2018 season.
Charlotte catcher Alfredo Gonzalez led the way offensively for the Knights with three hits, a run scored, and an RBI. Second baseman Juan Perez added two hits and two runs scored to help pace the Charlotte offense on Wednesday. RHP Dylan Covey started for the Knights and allowed three runs on four hits over five innings of work. Covey, who won the season opener on Thursday in Durham, NC, did not factor in the decision. A total of five pitchers were used in the game, with Ross being charged with the loss.
Norfolk LHP Jason Gurka (1-0, 0.00) earned the win out of the team's bullpen. He struck-out two batters in the 11th frame.
The Knights will now return home to BB&T Ballpark in Uptown Charlotte on Thursday for their 2018 home opener against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees). Gates will open at 6:00 p.m. for the 7:04 p.m. opener. Pre-game radio coverage will begin at 6:50 p.m. on 730 The Game ESPN Charlotte and CharlotteKnights.com. The "Voice of the Charlotte Knights" Matt Swierad and long-time Knights broadcaster Mike Pacheco will have the call for all of the action.
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