IL1 Charlotte Knights

Knights Walk off with Exciting 5-4 Win in 11 Innings on Saturday

June 16, 2012 - International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release


(Fort Mill, SC) - Justin Phegley stepped to the plate with a chance to be a hero on Saturday night. In front of 9,680 fans, he was just that.

Phegley ripped the game-winning hit in the bottom of the 11th inning and the Charlotte Knights beat the Indianapolis Indians 5-4 in game three of their four-game series from Knights Stadium on Saturday night. The win was Charlotte's 41st of the season and seventh over their last 10 games.

"I just had to put the ball in play," said Phegley after the game. With the game tied, bases loaded and just one out, Phegley did more than that as he roped a single to left field and Tyler Kuhn came around to score the winning run on Saturday.

Phegley's walk-off single was the highlight of an exciting evening of baseball at Knights Stadium on Saturday. In a game that went back-and-forth, the first place Knights came out on top.

In the top of the 11th inning, Indians right fielder Brandon Boggs broke a 3-3 tie with a solo home run off of Charlotte reliever Gregory Infante (3-0, 3.52). The Knights went to the bottom of the 11th down 4-3.

South Carolina native Justin Greene, who homered in the fifth inning, ignited the offense in the bottom of the 11th with a key walk to lead off the inning. Greene then quickly stole second base and put the tying run in scoring position with no outs. Greg Golson, the next batter, came through with a clutch game-tying hit to make it a 4-4 game. Golson's second hit of the evening proved to be an important one.

The Knights continued their assault on Indians reliever Evan Meek (1-2, 2.35). With Golson on first base and Kuhn now at the plate, Meek uncorked a wild pitch, which put Golson on second base. Still, with nobody out in the inning, the Knights drew back-to-back walks (Kuhn and Dan Johnson) and loaded the bases for Hector Gimenez, who grounded into a forceout.

Now, with one out and the bases loaded, Phegley provided the heroics. His walk-off hit put the Knights in a position to now win the series with a win on Sunday.

Charlotte starter Matt Zaleski allowed one run on five hits over six innings of work. He struck-out three batters and left the game with a 2-1 lead. Infante earned the win.

The two teams will conclude their four-game series on Sunday at Knights Stadium. LHP Charlie Leesman will make the start for the Knights, while Indianapolis will hand the ball to LHP Justin Wilson. Gates are set to open at 1:00 p.m. and first pitch is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. on Father's Day. After Sunday's game, fans can "play catch" with dad on the field.

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