Knights Fall in Home Opener
Published on April 9, 2009 under International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release
FORT MILL, S.C. - April 9, 2009 - The Charlotte Knights 2009 season got off to a rocky start, with a 9-1 loss to the Gwinnett Braves at Knights Stadium in front of 7,876 fans. The Knights managed only four hits against Gwinnett-stranding seven runners.
Braves starter Tommy Hanson had a strong outing, going 4 1/3 innings with 10 strikeouts while only giving up three hits. Kris Medlen (1-0, 0.00) picked up the win for Gwinnett. The Knights 14 strikeouts matched the teams high from last season.
Brandon Jones started the scoring with a 3rd inning sacrifice fly to put the Braves on the board. Teammate Barbaro Canizares capped off the inning with a two-run home run off Knights starter John Van Benschoten (0-1, 5.40) giving Gwinnett the early 3-0 lead. Brooks Conrad kept the scoring going in the top of the 5th with another two-run home run, giving the Braves a 5-0 lead that was never threatened.
The lone bright spot for the Knights was a solo home run by left fielder Michael Restovich in the bottom of the 9th inning. The Knights also lost the services of catcher Cole Armstrong in the 5th inning. After hitting a line drive down the right field line, Armstrong pulled up at first base. He was replaced by catcher Donny Lucy.
The Knights continue their first homestand of the season Friday night against the Braves. Wes Whisler (0-0, 0.00) will take the mound for the Knights. Gwinnett will start Jo-Jo Reyes (0-0, 0.00). Game time is 7:15.
The Charlotte Knights are the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. For ticket or event information, please contact the Knights front office at (704) 357-8071 or (803) 548-8050 or visit our website at www.charlotteknights.com for more information.
International League Stories from April 9, 2009
- Four Two-Run Shots Doom Bats, Fall to Clippers 12-4 - Louisville Bats
- Bulls Turn Back Tides in Opener - Durham Bulls
- Tides fall in season opener - Norfolk Tides
- Knights Fall in Home Opener - Charlotte Knights
- International League News And Notes - IL1
- Bisons Announce 2009 Opening Day Roster - Buffalo Bisons
- Bisons Notes - Buffalo Bisons
- Tides announce Opening Day roster - Norfolk Tides
- Indians Announce 2009 Team Roster - Indianapolis Indians
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