IL1 Charlotte Knights

Knights Fall Just Short of Bulls on Wednesday, Lose 5-4 in Finale

Published on April 11, 2012 under International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release


(Durham, NC) - Take away the first inning and the Charlotte Knights could have been leaving Durham with a series win.

Knights starter Charlie Shirek allowed four runs in the first and then tossed five scoreless innings, but the Knights fell short of the Bulls by a score of 5-4 in the finale of their three-game series from Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Wednesday.

Durham starter Alex Torres (1-0, 2.89 ERA) allowed three runs over five innings, shortstop Tim Beckham had two hits and the Bulls won for the second time in three days against the Knights to take the series two games to one. Durham reliever Brandon Gomes recorded the final four outs of the game to earn his first save of the year.

Charlotte (3-4) entered play on Wednesday with a chance to win their first series of the season and although they scored first, they were unable to hold on for a second straight victory.

With Charlotte ahead 1-0 courtesy of a Dallas McPherson RBI single, the Bulls pounced on Shirek in the first. Durham's first five batters had hits including a key two-run double off the bat of third baseman Matt Mangini. Shirek then settled in nicely and allowed just two hits and no runs over his next five innings. Durham did not score again until the bottom of the seventh inning off Knights reliever Jhan Marinez.

Shirek (1-1, 6.55) lost for the first time this season and it was his first loss since August 24, 2011, when he was a member of Double-A Birmingham.

Offensively for the Knights, former Durham slugger Dan Johnson has now hit safely in all seven games this season after an RBI double in the eighth inning. Dating back to last season with Durham, Johnson is currently riding a 14-game hit streak. Johnson's eighth inning double cut the Bulls lead to 5-4.

McPherson extended his hit-streak to 12 games and finished the contest 1-4 with an RBI. In all, Charlotte had just four hits on the afternoon - tying their lowest total of the season (April 7 vs. Norfolk).

The team will now make the trek to Norfolk, VA to begin a four-game series with the Norfolk Tides on Thursday. First pitch of Thursday's game at Harbor Park is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. RHP Dylan Axelrod (1-0, 1.50) makes the start for Charlotte, while RHP Chris Tillman (0-1, 8.31) gets the nod for Norfolk.

The Knights return home for a seven-game homestand beginning on Monday, April 16. Spectacular fireworks, a Dale Murphy Meet and Greet session, Thirsty Thursday T, Bark in the Ballpark and much more highlight the homestand. Single-game tickets, season tickets and mini-plans are available for purchase. Baseball Fans Wanted... No Experience Necessary!

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International League Stories from April 11, 2012


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