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IL1 Charlotte Knights

Knights Walk-Off with 2-1 Win After Exciting Ninth Inning

July 15, 2012 - International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release


(Fort Mill, SC) - Drew Garcia was the hero on Friday and a superhero on Saturday - and it all took place at Knights Stadium. In a three hour and six-minute game, which also included a 58-minute rain delay, the Knights rewarded their fans with an exciting finish.

Garcia was hit-by-a-pitch with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning and the Charlotte Knights walked-off with a 2-1 win over the Durham Bulls on Saturday in game three of their four-game series.

The win was Charlotte's seventh-straight against the Bulls at Knights Stadium this season and second walk-off win in as many days. The Knights will now have a chance to sweep the Bulls on Sunday in the finale of the series.

With the Bulls ahead by a score of 1-0, Durham reliever Dane De La Rosa (0-3, 3.35) began the bottom of the ninth inning by getting Hector Gimenez to ground out. With two outs to go, the Bulls were looking to close out the Knights - but that didn't happen.

De La Rosa then struggled to get an out. He hit Jeff Baisley to put the tying run at first base and the winning run at the plate. Ray Olmedo then came up with a clutch single, which put runners on first and second base with just one out.

Things then got worse for De La Rosa and the Bulls.

Outfielder Justin Greene then drew a walk and Tyler Kuhn followed with a bases loaded walk to tie the game up at 1-1. With the fans on the edge of their seats, Garcia - Friday's hero, stepped to the plate with a chance to end the game. He would do just that.

The first pitch from De La Rosa hit Garcia and the winning run came around to score as Charlotte earned their 10th win against the Bulls in 15 games this season.

With the win, Charlotte (53-42) held their four-game lead over the Norfolk Tides in the IL South Division.

Charlotte starter Matt Zaleski allowed one run on six hits over five innings but did not factor in the decision. Zaleski walked two batters and struck-out two. Reliever Donnie Veal (5-3, 2.14) threw 2.2 scoreless innings to earn the victory. He walked one and struck-out two batters.

The two teams will conclude their series at 2:15 p.m. on Sunday at Knights Stadium. Gates are set to open at 1:00 p.m.

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