IL1 Charlotte Knights

Knights win three in a row

Published on July 1, 2005 under International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release


FORT MILL, S.C.-- Another come from behind win makes its three in a row for the Charlotte Knights, who defeated the Pawtucket Red Sox 7-5 Friday night to win the series. Jorge Toca's (2-for-5, 2B, HR, 3 RBI) double in the bottom of the eighth drove in the game-winning run, and Jeff Bajenaru pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his tenth save of the season.

A crowd of 9,635 came out for the post-game fireworks, but were treated to plenty during the game as well. Ross Gload (3-for-5) hit a solo homerun in the sixth, and Toca hit his sixteen of the year in the fifth.

After allowing three runs in the first off the homerun to Roberto Petagine, Jon Adkins settled in and pitched 6 1/3 solid innings, allowing five runs on six hits while striking out five.

In his absence, the bullpen of Dave Sanders, Josh Fields and Jeff Bajenaru combined for 2 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and striking out four. Fields (4-3, 3.31) entered to earn the last out of the eighth inning -and in the process, his fourth win of the season. Bajenaru came in to pitch the scoreless ninth to get the save.

Once again, the early homerun in the first inning put the Knights offensive in a hole, but for the third consecutive night they fought back, this time scoring four runs in the eighth to take back the game.

The Knights trailed 5-3 entering the inning, but reliever Juan Perez worked his way into some trouble. Joe Borchard (1-for-3) reached base on a leadoff walk and scored on a double from Knights-newcomer Wilton Guerrero (3-for-4, 2B, RBI).

Guerrero moved around to third on a sacrifice bunt from Guillermo Reyes (0-for-3), and Jamie Burke (1-for-4) and Roosevelt Brown (0-for-3) both drew walks to load the bases. Mark Malaska replaced Perez but threw a wild pitch while Toca was at the plate to send in the tying run. Toca stepped back in the box and lined a double deep in the right field corner to send both Burke and Brown in and win the game.

Bajenaru came in to work the scoreless ninth, allowing two hits and striking out two, to earn the save and end the game.

The Knights begin a eight-game, nine-day road trip tomorrow with four games at Pawtucket. After the three-day All-Star break, the Knights return home on Thursday, July 14 to face Indianapolis.

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