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IL1 Charlotte Knights

Knights Fall to Tides 1-0 in Thursday's Opener

April 12, 2012 - International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release


(Norfolk, VA) - Trailing by one run in the ninth inning and with the tying run just 90 feet away, the Knights made things interesting in Norfolk late on Thursday night.

The Knights (3-5) put two runners on base and threatened to score in the top of the ninth inning down by one run, but fell just short to the Norfolk Tides by a score of 1-0 in the opening game of a four-game series from Harbor Park in Norfolk, VA.

Charlotte designated hitter Dan Johnson drew a one-out walk in the ninth and represented the tying run at first base. Two batters later, outfielder Jordan Danks roped a single to left field and pinch runner Ray Olmedo sailed into third base to give the Knights runners on the corners with two outs.

Outfielder Greg Golson then stepped to the plate with the Knights down to their final out and popped up to shortstop Steve Tolleson to end the game. Golson had one of the Knights four hits earlier in the game.

The loss spoiled a terrific outing by starter Dylan Axelrod (1-1, 1.50), who allowed just one run over six innings. Axelrod allowed one walk and just four hits on the evening while striking out five batters.

In his last outing against Norfolk (Saturday, April 7), Axelrod allowed just one run to beat the Tides 6-3. Last season, he beat Norfolk twice and entered today's game with a 3-0 career record against the Tides in three starts.

The first inning proved to be the only inning in which a run would cross the plate in the game. Norfolk center fielder Xavier Avery led off the bottom of the first with a triple and Tolleson followed with an RBI groundout to make it a 1-0 game. That was all the Tides would need.

Norfolk RHP Chris Tillman (1-1, 3.60) threw 5.2 scoreless innings to earn his first win of the season. Tillman allowed just three hits and struck out eight batters. Reliever Kyler Newby dodged trouble in the ninth to earn his first save of the season.

Tyler Kuhn had two of the Knights four hits in the game. Kuhn is currently batting .393 on the season.

Before the game, the Knights placed infielder Kyle Shelton on the disabled list and added infielder Jose Castro in a trade with Cincinnati.

Charlotte will look to bounce back on Friday in game two of the series. The Knights will send LHP Charlie Leesman (0-1, 12.46 ERA) to the hill, while Norfolk will counter with LHP Dana Eveland (1-0, 1.50 ERA).

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, 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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