Pair of Five-Run Frames Help Braves Beat Knights
Published on August 10, 2015 under International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release
(Uptown Charlotte, NC) - A pair of five-run innings helped the Gwinnett Braves to a 12-3 victory over the Charlotte Knights in the first of a four game series on a rainy evening at BB&T Ballpark. The Braves extended their lead over the Knights to 2.0 games as the pair of teams continue to chase the Columbus Clippers in the Wild Card race.
Kyle Drabek cruised through the first two innings on the mound for Charlotte, retiring the first six batters he faced; but as the rain began to fall in the third, the Braves were able to mount a rally. The visiting club tallied five hits and drew three walks in the frame on their way to a 5-0 lead. Mallex Smith and Sean Kazmar each added RBI-doubles in the inning.
Chris Jacobs put the Knights on the 'board in the fifth inning with the first home run of his Triple-A career, a solo shot onto the Carolinas HealthCare System Home Run Porch in right field at BB&T Ballpark.
The Braves answered the homer with their second five-run inning of the game. After the first two batters of the inning reached base, Drabek was relieved by Miguel Chalas, and the Gwinnett offense met the Charlotte reliever with a pair of RBI-singles that pushed their lead to 7-1. The well-balanced attack continued later in the inning with Christian Bethancourt and Cedric Hunter each adding an RBI in the frame. All nine of the G-Braves starters tallied at least one RBI in the game, while eight of the nine scored at least one run.
Jason Coats and Drew Garcia recorded base hits to lead off the sixth and seventh innings receptively, with each coming in to score to give the Knights three consecutive innings with a run. Garcia led the way offensively for the Knights as he continued to swing a hot bat with his 2-for-3 night. The switch-hitting middle infielder is now batting .447 (17-for-38) over his last 11 games with six runs scored and three RBIs.
Bethancourt and Daniel Castro each added RBI-doubles in the latter innings to give the Braves a 12-3 lead and complete the scoring in the game. The 12 runs scored by the G-Braves tied a game-high for any Knights opponent this season, and the nine-run margin of victory is the highest against Charlotte this season.
The two teams will continue their four-game series with game two on Tuesday night. It will be a battle of youth versus experience as Braves prospect Tyrell Jenkins is scheduled to take the mound against veteran right-hander Brad Penny. Tuesday will also feature a special appearance by Atlanta Braves legend Dale Murphy, who will meet and greet fans and sign autographs during the 7:05 p.m. game, presented by Carolinas Tire Pros.
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