Martinez Scores Game-Winner in 10th, Knights Beat Clippers 5-4
June 21, 2012 - International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release
(Fort Mill, SC) - Conor Jackson was on deck in the bottom of the 10th inning when the Knights walked-off with a win. It was Jackson's three home runs which helped get the club to that point.
Ozzie Martinez scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning after Columbus reliever Frank Hermann (2-2, 4.41) uncorked a wild pitch, and the Charlotte Knights went on to beat the Clippers 5-4 in 10 innings on Thursday in the series finale from Knights Stadium. With the win, Charlotte extended their lead in the South Division to six games over second place Gwinnett.
Martinez led-off the 10th frame with a double and things started to fall into place for the first place Knights. Greg Golson was then hit-by-a-pitch and the Knights quickly had two runners on base with nobody out.
Kosuke Fukudome, who was in his fourth game with the Knights, then drew a walk to load the bases. Fukudome, on Major League rehab assignment from the White Sox, went 0-3 with two walks.
Now, with the bases loaded and no outs, slugger Dan Johnson stepped to the plate with a chance to put the Knights back in the win column. After a Columbus coaching visit to the mound, Hermann threw his first pitch in the dirt and Martinez sprinted home to score the game-winner. Charlotte (42-32) earned the series split with Columbus.
As for Jackson, he hit a career-high three home runs in the game. The former first-round pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks has been impressive since working his way back from the disabled list. He had four hits in Wednesday's game and finished Thursday's contest 3-4 with three runs scored, three home runs and four RBIs. It was his first multi-home run game since August 6, 2005, when he hit two home runs as a member of the Diamondbacks.
Reliever Deunte Heath (4-2, 1.83) pitched a perfect 10th inning to earn the win.
Starter Matt Zaleski allowed four runs on eight hits over six innings and did not factor in the decision. Jhan Carlos Marinez also chipped in with three scoreless frames.
Charlotte will now make the trek to Rochester and begin a four-game series with the Red Wings on Friday from Frontier Field. LHP Charlie Leesman will make the start for Charlotte in the opener. The 'Wings will send RHP Samuel Deduno to the hill. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.
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