Knights Fall to Bulls 7-5 in Opener
Published on September 2, 2015 under International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release
(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) - Matt Davidson launched two home runs, but a five-run sixth inning by the Durham Bulls led to a 7-5 win over the Charlotte Knights on Wednesday in the opening game of their three-game series from BB&T Ballpark in Uptown Charlotte in front of a sold-out crowd of 10,397 fans.
Charlotte starter Brad Penny (7-9, 4.26) allowed five runs on 10 hits over six innings and was saddled with the loss in the opener. Penny was sharp over the game's first five frames, and had a 2-0 lead thanks to Davidson's first home run in the first inning, a two-run shot. Then, the 14-year major league veteran had his troubles in the sixth.
Penny allowed two home runs in the sixth frame, including a solo homer by Corey Brown and a two-run home run by Cameron Seitzer. In all, Penny gave up five runs on five hits in the inning. Still, the Knights battled back.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Davidson connected on his second home run of the game and his 22nd of the season. The home run, a two-run shot off Durham starter Jared Mortensen (1-0, 6.75), pulled the Knights to within one run, down 5-4. Davidson's long home run moved him into a tie with J.P. Arencibia for the International League lead in long balls this season.
Durham tacked on two insurance runs in the top of the seventh inning against Charlotte reliever Onelki Garcia. Joey Rickard came through with a two-run double after a Micah Johnson fielding error, which pushed the Bulls lead to 7-4.
Still, the Knights didn't give up. Matt Tuiasosopo launched a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to make it a 7-5 Bulls lead at that point. The home run, Charlotte's third of the game, was the 17th of the season for Tuiasosopo. That was all the Knights could string together however on Wednesday.
The two teams will continue their series on Thursday with a 12:05 p.m. game from BB&T Ballpark. RHP Scott Carroll will get the start for the Knights against Durham LHP Everett Teaford. Gates will open at 11:00 a.m. and fans can take advantage of Thirsty Thursday ™ presented by Hickory Tavern.
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