IL1 Charlotte Knights

Wilkins Takes IL Home Run Lead, Knights Beat 'Riders

Published on July 18, 2014 under International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release


(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) Andy Wilkins took over the International League lead in home runs on Friday. His home run ball may still be in orbit.

Wilkins launched his 19th home run of the season -- a two-run shot onto Mint Street - Charlotte starter Chien-Ming Wang (9-5, 3.81) allowed four runs over six innings, and the Knights beat the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders 8-4 on Friday in game two of their four-game series from BB&T Ballpark. The win was Charlotte's fourth straight and fifth in six games against the RailRiders this season.

In front of 10,240 fans -- BB&T Ballpark's 26th sell-out crowd of the season -- the Knights once again pounded out double-digit hits en route to a win over the RailRiders. In all, Charlotte belted out eight runs on 11 hits and added to their league leading home run total thanks to Wilkins for the second day in a row.

On Thursday, Wilkins hit two home runs and finished the night in a tie for first place in the International League lead with teammate Matt Davidson, who also homered in the opener. Both players came into Friday's game with 18 home runs and a one home run lead over former Knights slugger Dan Johnson (17). In the seventh inning of Friday's game, Wilkins took the lead with one swing of the bat. His two-run shot off of Tyler Webb gave the Knights an 8-4 lead. It was Charlotte's 124th home run of the year - tops in all of baseball (both Major League and Minor League).

Other offensive stars on the night for the Knights were Micah Johnson (3-for-5), and catcher Josh Phegley (3-for-4 with 3 RBIs), who extended his hit-streak to a season-high 13 games. Phegley, who went to the Triple-A All-Star Game this season, bumped his batting average up to .277. His 13-game hit-streak is the longest by a Knights player this season.

Jordan Danks walked for the 200th time in his Knights career on Friday. Danks, who was already the franchise leader in walks, drew the milestone walk in the third inning. He is now nine games played away from tying Joe Borchard for most all-time in Knights franchise history (447).

As for Wang, he threw 99 pitches in his Knights debut and gave up seven hits over six innings. It was the second start of his career at BB&T Ballpark, but first as a member of the Knights. He beat Charlotte as a member of the Louisville Bats on June 26. On that day, Wang gave up two unearned runs over 7.2 innings. Overall, he is 2-0 with a 2.64 ERA in 13.2 innings at BB&T Ballpark.

Winthrop University product Chris Leroux started for the RailRiders and gave up four runs over four innings. Leroux did not factor in the decision. The loss went to Jeremy Bleich, who allowed two runs on two hits over 1.2 innings out of the SWB 'pen.

The two teams will continue their series on Saturday with a 7:05 p.m. game from BB&T Ballpark. RHP Andre Rienzo (0-2, 4.80) gets the start for the Knights in game three on Saturday. The RailRiders will hand the ball to LHP Nik Turley (0-1, 5.82). Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and the Hickory Tavern KnightinGals will entertain fans at the ballpark. It's also Barefoot Night at the Ballpark presented by Gallo Barefoot Wines.

Check out the Charlotte Knights Statistics

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International League Stories from July 18, 2014


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