Knights Rally Late, Beat the Bats 3-1 on Saturday
June 11, 2022 - International League (IL)
Charlotte Knights News Release
(LOUISVILLE, KY) - Blake Rutherford played the hero in Thursday's game. On Saturday, it was déjà vu all over again.
Rutherford doubled home two runs in the top of the ninth inning to propel the Charlotte Knights to a 3-1 win over the Louisville Bats in game five of the six game series from Louisville Slugger Field on Saturday night. The Knights scored all three runs in the final inning to win for the third time in the series.
Down by a score of 1-0, the Knights battled back in the top of the ninth inning against Louisville RHP Fernando Cruz (1-2, 4.76). With one out in the ninth inning, designated hitter Yermín Mercedes provided the biggest hit of the game for the Knights up to that point. Mercedes launched a game-tying home run over the left field fence to tie the game at 1-1. The home run was the fourth of the season for Mercedes.
Two batters later -- with two outs in the inning -- second baseman Yolbert Sánchez singled to keep the rally alive. Sánchez then stole second base to put the go-ahead run on second with catcher Xavier Fernández at the plate. After Fernández drew a two-out walk, the table was set for Rutherford.
With two outs in the inning, Rutherford ripped a two-run double to right field to score the go-ahead runs for the Knights. Rutherford's two-run double gave the Knights a 3-1 lead. It was the second time since Thursday that Rutherford recorded a go-ahead two-run double. The Charlotte outfielder broke a 2-2 tie in the eighth inning of Thursday's game with a two-run double to lead the Knights to a 4-2 win in game three. His two-run double on Saturday led the Knights to a 3-1 win in game five.
RHP Mike Wright started the game for the Knights and was solid over five innings of work. Wright allowed just one run on two hits over five innings pitched. He walked two batters and struck out three.
The Charlotte bullpen in relief of Wright was superb. A total of four relievers held the Bats scoreless over the final four innings. RHP Will Carter (3-2, 5.32), who pitched a scoreless eighth inning, earned the win out of the bullpen. RHP Yacksel Ríos allowed one hit in the ninth, but held on to record the final three outs for his second save of the season.
The Knights will conclude the six-game series against the Bats from Louisville Slugger Field on Sunday afternoon. First pitch of the finale is set for 1:05 p.m. The "Voice of the Charlotte Knights" Matt Swierad will have the call for all of the action on 730 The Game and www.CharlotteKnights.com.
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