Knights Fall to Tides 4-3 in 15 Innings
July 19, 2015 - International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release
(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) - Christian Walker singled home Julio Borbon in the top of the 15th inning and led the Norfolk Tides to a 4-3 win in game three of their four-game series against the Charlotte Knights at BB&T Ballpark in Uptown Charlotte on Saturday. With the win, the Tides jumped back into first place in the International League South Division -- a half-game ahead of the Knights.
The Knights, who scored a run in each of the first three innings, had a 3-2 lead as they headed to the ninth inning. With a chance to move to 1.5 games ahead of the Tides in the division, Charlotte manager Joel Skinner handed the ball to steady reliever Zach Phillips, who had his troubles. Phillips allowed back-to-back singles to Dariel Alvarez and Steve Clevenger, which put the tying run on third base for the Tides. Left fielder Sean Halton then came through with a sacrifice fly RBI to tie the game at 3-3.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, the Knights had a chance for their second walk-off win in as many days, but couldn't score a run against a tough Norfolk bullpen. In fact, Norfolk's 'pen combined to throw 8.1 scoreless innings on Saturday.
The game remained tied all the way until the 15th inning, which was only Charlotte's second 15-inning affair since June 18, 2005.
In the top of the 15th, the Tides began a rally against two Charlotte relievers. First, Henry Urrutia drew a leadoff walk against Charlotte's Jarrett Casey (8-2, 4.73). Norfolk manager Ron Johnson then called on the speedy Borbon to pinch-run for Urrutia. That proved to be a wise decision.
With Borbon on first base, Casey struck-out Rey Navarro for the first out of the inning. Charlotte then went to the bullpen and called on Blake Smith to get out of a tough spot. Walker then stepped to the plate to face Smith and quickly had a runner in scoring position when Borbon stole second base. Walker then ripped a 2-2 offering from Smith through the middle of the diamond. Borbon came around to score what proved to be the winning run.
Norfolk reliever Pedro Beato, who closed the game on Thursday and lost the game on Friday, shut the door in the 15th for his ninth save of the season. Norfolk reliever Andy Oliver (2-1, 3.60) earned the win.
Micah Johnson led the way for the Knights at the plate. Playing in his 55th game of the season with the Knights, Johnson ripped two hits including his sixth home run of the year. He finished the night 2-for-6 with two runs scored, one RBI, one stolen base, and the home run. Leury Garcia and Tyler Colvin also added two hits each on the evening.
Hector Noesi started for the Knights and was sharp over five innings. The Dominican native made his first start of the season with the Knights and gave up just one run on one hit. Terance Marin was one of five relievers who came on to pitch in relief of Noesi on Saturday. Marin allowed one unearned run on two hits over three innings. Onelki Garcia allowed just three hits over three scoreless innings. Garcia struck-out five batters.
The Knights welcomed 10,258 fans to the ballpark -- the club's third consecutive sell-out of the homestand and 24th during the 2015 regular season. The game lasted 4:28 minutes on Saturday -- the longest of the season for the Knights.
The two teams will conclude their four-game series from BB&T Ballpark on Sunday with a 5:05 p.m. game. RHP Shawn Haviland (4-5, 4.09) gets the start for the Knights against Norfolk RHP Zach Davies (3-5, 2.70). Gates open at 4:00 p.m. and 1960 World Series MVP Bobby Richardson will be on hand to meet fans and sign autographs.
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