Final: Buffalo Bisons 8, Charlotte Knights 3

There was no bailing out Dylan Axelrod on Saturday.

Five days after the Knights rallied from seven runs down after Axelrod lasted just one inning in a start against Lehigh Valley for a one-run win, Kyle Drabek made sure Buffalo didn’t suffer a similar fate.

The former key piece in the Philadelphia Phillies acquisition of Roy Halladay from the Toronto Blue jays in 2009, went six innings, struck out seven, and allowed two runs in what ended up being an 8-2 loss for the Knights in front of a sellout crowd of 10,226 at BB&T BallPark.   

The win for Drabek – who has now twice battled back from Tommy John Surgery  – evened the four-game series at one game apiece and snapped a four-game skid for the Bisons (19-14). 

On Saturday, Axelrod lasted four innings and allowed four runs on five hits. The right-hander uncharacteristically struggled with his command for the second game in a row, walking five, while striking out just two. 

Axelrod (1-4, 6.47) had a Jekyll and Hyde type of outing, allowing two runs to Buffalo in the first inning, before sending them down in order in the second.

Phegley (2-for-4) did what he could to keep his pitcher in the game when he connected on his third home run of the Knights' current eight-game home stand to tie the game at 2-2 in the first.

In the third, Axelrod’s control issues returned. After walking the leadoff man for the second time in three innings, he allowed a two-run home run to Kevin Pillar (3-for-4, HR, 2 RBIs 2 R).

There was some question over whether or not the 28-year-old would return for the fourth inning after he walked off the mound with 79 pitches at the conclusion of the third inning. However, he did, and managed to end his night with a scoreless frame.

Deunte Heath (2 IP) and Frank De Los Santos (1 IP) were each touched up for two runs in relief appearances before Taylor Thompson held Buffalo scoreless over the final two frames.

  

Playing in his second game since being reassigned to Charlotte, Jordan Danks knocked in a run with a single in the bottom of the eighth, but Ryan Rowland-Smith came on to toss a perfect ninth to end any comeback ideas.

Charlotte will send Tommy Hanson to the mound for game-three of the series on Sunday at 2:05 p.m.

Notes: On Saturday, the Chicago White Sox purchased the contract of Knights reliever and former Mets closer Frank Francisco. The 34-year-old appeared in six games (8 IP) for Charlotte and did not allow an earned run, while striking out 12. … Matt Davidson made his first appearance after missing the previous six games with a sore hand and finished the night 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.

Final: Knights 3, Bisons 8 -- Thompson held Buffalo scoreless in the ninth, but Ryan Rowland-Smith sent Charlotte down in order in the bottom half of the inning.

End of 8th: Knights 3, Bisons 8 -- Taylor Thompson came on in relief of De Los Santos and retired the Herd in order.

Playing in his second game since being reassigned to Charlotte, Jordan Danks knocked in Jared Mitchell (3-for-3) with a single.

End of 7th: Knights 2, Bisons 8 – Buffalo added two more runs off Frank De Los Santos after the lefty walked two and allowed two hits in the inning.

Charlotte, batting against Chad Jenkins, continued to struggle. Dan Black (2-for-3) singled with two outs, but never made it to second.

Kyle Drabek’s line:  6 IP, 5 H, 2 R (both unearned), 0 BB, 7 K – 92 pitches (61 strikes).

End of 6th: Knights 2, Bisons 6 – Heath struck out two in a scoreless inning. The Knights then went in order.

End of 5th: Knights 2, Bisons 6 – Matt Tuiasosopo sent Heath’s very first pitch into the left-centerfield bleachers. A walk followed by a fielder’s choice and a double by Kawasaki put Buffalo up four.

Saladino bounced to third. Jared Mitchell (2-for-2, 2B) then singled and was erased on a double-play ball off the bat of Gorkys Hernandez.

End of 4th: Knights 2, Bisons 4 – That’s the afternoon for Axelrod, who ended things with a scoreless inning. His line: 4 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 5 BB, 2 K – 98 pitches (57). RHP Deunte Heath will pitch the fifth.

Josh Phegley led off the inning with a single, but was stranded at second. Matt Davidson is now 0-for-2 with two K’s after missing the previous six games with a sore hand.

End of 3rd: Knights 2, Bisons 4 – Axelrod’s control issues returned in the third inning. After again walking the leadoff man, he allowed a two-run home run to Kevin Pillar (now 2-for-2 with 2B, HR). Axe then retired the next two before walking the bases loaded. Munenori Kawasaki bounced to short to end the inning.

Axelrod has thrown 79 pitches (43 strikes) through three innings.

Jared Mitchell led off the bottom half with a double to the gap in right center. A Gorkys Hernandez sacrifice fly moved him to third with one out, but Drabek recovered to strike out Carlos Sanchez and Jordan Danks. Missed opportunity.

End of 2nd: Knights 2, Bisons 2 – Axelrod looked much more comfortable in the second, retiring Jim Murphy and Munenori Kawasaki on groundballs before picking up his first K of the game vs. Bisons leadoff man Anthony Gose.

Dan Black singled with one out but was doubled up when he mistakenly thought a ball off the bat of Tyler Saladino was heading for the gap in right center.

End of 1st: Knights 2, Bisons 2 – Dylan Axelrod struggled with his command in the first inning, walking two and allowing two doubles all before recording the inning’s second out. After getting Ryan Goins to bounce out to first, Ryan Schimpf hit a ball to the warning track in center to end the inning.

The Knights picked up two unearned runs on a two-out two-run home run by Josh Phegley. Gorkys Hernandez reached on an error by Buffalo 2B Munenori Kawasaki to begin the game. The home run was Phegley’s third of this home stand.

Pregame:

Knights (13-21)

Gorkys Hernandez RF

Carlos Sanchez 2B

Jordan Danks CF

Josh Phegley C

Andy Wilkins DH

Matt Davidson 3B

Dan Black 1B

Tyler Saladino SS

Jared Mitchell LF

Pitching: RHP Dylan Axelrod (1-3, 6.11)

Bisons (18-14)

Anthony Gose RF

Darin Mastroianni CF

Kevin Pillar LF

Dan Johnson DH

Matt Tuiasosopo 1B

Ryan Goins SS

Ryan Schimpf 3B

Jack Murphy C

Munenori Kawasaki 2B

Pitching: RHP Kyle Drabek (2-2, 4.85)

Game time: 7:05 p.m.

TV/Radio: MiLB.tv / ESPN 730

Stat of the Day: The Knights are 5-3 this season when CF Jordan Danks plays.

Notes: On Saturday, the Chicago White Sox purchased the contract of Knights reliever and former Mets closer Frank Francisco. The 34-year-old appeared in six games (8 IP) for Charlotte and did not allow an earned run, while striking out 12. … To make room on the Major League roster for Francisco, the White Sox designated RHP Maikel Cleto for assignment. … In his last start, Dylan Axelrod lasted just one inning. He allowed seven runs on seven hits to Lehigh Valley in a game the Knights eventually won 9-8. …  After tossing eight scoreless innings last night, Charlotte LHP Charlie Leesman now ranks sixth in the International League with a 1.70 ERA. … Knights’ 3B Matt Davidson is back in the lineup tonight after missing the previous six games with a sore hand. ... Charlotte 2B Carlos Sanchez saw his 11-game hitting streak come to an end last night. He did, however, reach base three times in the game, extending his on-base streak to 25 games.  

Knights Walkup Song of the Day: Hector Gimenez – Vivir Mi Vida, by Marc Anthony

Charlotte Knights come from eight runs down to defeat Lehigh Valley IronPigs, 9-8

One of their Achilles heals all season had been hitting with two outs and runners in scoring position.

A quick glance at the stat book showed as much, with a team average of .169 in those key situations entering Monday night.

So when Gorkys Hernandez stepped into the batter’s box in the bottom of the eighth inning with two outs and the go-ahead run on second, 8,223 fans at BB&T BallPark collectively held their breath. 

The result – a line drive single to right – bucked the trend and brought home both Blake Tekotte and Tyler Saladino to give the Knights their first lead of the game on their way to a 9-8 win over the IronPigs.

“I tried to look for one pitch,” said Hernandez, who entered the game hitting .143 with two outs and runners in scoring position. “I knew their pitcher threw hard and I was looking for a fastball and all I tried to do was get a single because I knew that could win the game and that’s what I did.”

In total, Charlotte scored four runs in the eighth to take the lead for good after trailing 8-0 midway through the fifth inning. The first run came by way of a bases-loaded walk by Saladino and the second via a fielder’s choice off the bat of Jared Mitchell.

Lehigh Valley roughed up Charlotte starter Dylan Axelrod in the first inning, which resulted in a short night for the right-hander. 

Axelrod retired Clete Thomas on a fly ball to centerfield to begin game, but then saw the inning go decidedly down hill from there.

Tyler Henson, followed up Thomas' at bat with a home run and became the first of nine consecutive IronPigs (15-15) to reach base in the inning.

When the dust finally settled, the 28-year-old had allowed seven runs on seven hits, a walk, and a hit batter.

The Knights, who snapped a six-game losing streak with the win, got two runs back in the fifth inning on back-to-back home runs from Dan Black (3-for-4) and Tekotte (1-for-3, BB).

In the seventh, Andy Wilkins (1-for-4) added a solo-shot and Carlos Sanchez (1-for-4) extended his hitting streak to eight games with Charlotte’s other big two-out two-run single of the night. 

“As an industry, everyone talks about situational hitting and advancing runners and all that type of stuff,” said Knights manager Joel Skinner. “Probably the biggest situation is hitting with two outs and with men on base and that’s something that when you see that happening, you usually see a lot of runs being scored and (more) wins.”  

A combination of Deunte Heath (4 IP, 1 R), Frank De Los Santos (2 IP, 0 R), Javy Guerra (1 IP, 0 R) and Frank Francisco (1 IP, 0 R) held the IronPigs to just one run over eight innings of relief.  

Guerra picked up his first win of the season and Francisco his first save.

“We had a lot of guys (available) today,” said Skinner. “Heath was already stretched out, so he fit in well. He did a great job, pitching four innings. He gave up a run late, but his pitching performance set up the whole game for us.”

The Knights will send Tommy Hanson (1-2, 4.73 ERA) to the mound on Tuesday night for game two of their four-game series with the IronPigs.

Notes: Playing in his second rehab game with the Knights, Chicago White Sox regular third baseman Conor Gillaspie finished the night 0-for-4, but hit the ball well in three of his four at-bats. Gillaspie, 26, had been hitting .302 over 16 games in Chicago this season before being sidelined with a hand contusion. Following the game, Skinner said that he wasn't sure how long Gillaspie would be with the Knights, "I’m not sure exactly what’s going on there," he said. "But I know that he’ll be here tomorrow."  ... Knights regular third baseman, Matt Davidson, missed his second consecutive game and "has a little injury issue" according to Skinner. The Knights coach expects him back soon though. ... As of right now, Thursday's starter is still listed as TBA, but it's likely that Felipe Paulino will make his second rehab appearance on that date.   

Final: Charlotte Knights 9, Lehigh Valley IronPigs 8

Final: Knights 9, IronPigs 8 -- Frank Francisco came on to record his first save of the season. He allowed a one-out single to Leandro Castro, but following a strikeout, Josh Phegley threw Castro out trying to steal second to end the game.

The win snapped a six-game losing streak for the Knights as was their largest come-from-behind win ever at BB&T BallPark.

As always, thanks for reading.

End of 8th: Knights 9, IronPigs 8 -- Javy Guerra tossed a scoreless top of the eighth to keep the momentum on Charlotte's side.

In total, Charlotte scored four runs in the eighth to take the lead after trailing 8-0 midway through the fifth inning.

The first run came by way of a bases-loaded walk by Saladino and the second via a fielder’s choice off the bat of Jared Mitchell. A two-out two-run single to right by Gorky's Hernandez was the difference maker.

End of 7th: Knights 5, IronPigs 8 -- After Frank De Los Santos worked a clean inning, Andy Wilkins added a solo-shot and Carlos Sanchez extended his hitting streak to eight games with a two-out two-run single to right. The inning came to an end on a deep fly to right off the bat of Conor Gillaspie (0-for-4).

End of 6th: Knights 2, IronPigs 8 -- Frank De Los Santos worked around a one-out single and a balk to toss a scoreless inning. Charlotte then went down in order. Conor Gillaspie flied weakly to left.

End of 5th: Knights 2, IronPigs 8 -- The IronPigs added a run on a Tyler Henson sacrifice fly. Charlotte got on the board thanks to back-to-back home runs by Dan Black and Blake Tekotte.

End of 4th: Knights 0, IronPigs 7 -- Deunte Heath (three scoreless innings so far) has done a nice job of quieting the IronPigs bats. Charlotte went down in order. Conor Gillaspie put a charge into a ball, but it was tracked down right in front of the warning track by Lehigh Valley CF Leandro Castro.

End of 3rd: Knights 0, IronPigs 7 -- Deunte Heath worked around a one-out single by pinch-hitter Matt Tolbert. 10 different Lehigh Valley batters have now reached base. The Knights then went in order.

End of 2nd: Knights 0, IronPigs 7 -- RHP Deunte Heath started the second in place of Dylan Axelrod (1IP, 7H, 7R, BB, 2K -- 42 pitches) and held Lehigh Valley off the scoreboard.

Nothing doing for the Knights off Barry Enright in the bottom half. Dan Black singled with two outs, but was stranded at first.

End of 1st: Knights 0, IronPigs 7 -- Dylan Axelrod got Clete Thomas to fly out to centerfield to begin the game. Things went decidedly down hill from there.

Tyler Henson followed up Thomas' at bat with his third home run in two days. Henson was the first of nine straight IronPigs to reach base in the inning (a run capped off by a Thomas single).

Axelrod allowed seven hits in the inning, walked one, and hit a batter to force in a run. The big blow was a bases-clearing double by Leandro Castro.

In the bottom half of the inning, Gorkys Hernandez led off with a single. Carlos Sanchez then K'd and Conor Gillaspie grounded into a double play. Knights fans seem less than pleased thus far.

Pregame:

Knights (10-19)

Gorkys Hernandez F

Carlos Sanchez 2B

Conor Gillaspie 3B

Josh Phegley C

Andy Wilkins 1B

Dan Black 1B

Blake Tekotte CF

Tyler Saladino SS

Jared Mitchell LF

Pitching: RHP Dylan Axelrod (1-3, 4.00)

IronPigs (15-14)

Clete Thomas CF

Tyler Henson LF

Maikel Franco 3B

Reid Brignac 2B

Koyie Hill C

Jim Murphy 1B

Steve Susdorf DH

Leandro Castro RF

Ronny Cedeno SS

Pitching: RHP Barry Enright (0-2, 5.16)

Game time: 7:05 p.m.

TV/Radio: MiLB.TV / ESPN 730

Stat of the Day: With an average age of 25.3 years old, the Knights are the youngest team in the International League this season. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre ranks second with an average age of 26.0.

Notes: This is the first of two four-game series between the IronPigs and Knights. … The Knights have lost six games in a row. … Charlotte trails the International League in several offensive categories, including runs per game (3.29), hits (198), RBIs (84), batting average (.216), on-base percentage (.293) and strikeouts (284). … White Sox third baseman Conor Gillaspie is expected to be with the team for at least Monday’s and Tuesday’s games while he rehabs from a hand contusion. Gillaspie reported to the Knights on Sunday and went 1-for-4 with a home run in a 5-3 loss in Buffalo, N.Y. … Five of the Knights’ six losses have come by two runs or less (four by one run). … Knights 2B Carlos Sanchez returns to Charlotte riding a seven-game hitting streak. The switch-hitter is batting .333 (9-for-27) since beginning the streak on April 26. … Top prospect Matt Davidson is not in tonight’s lineup and did not play on Sunday. The third baseman is hitting .165 (16-for-97) with three home runs and a league-leading 43 strikeouts. He has hit worse when ahead in the count (.080) than he has when behind (.250). Davidson finished last season with a .274 batting average and 20 home runs between Class AAA Reno and the Arizona Diamondbacks. … Former Mets closer Frank Francisco, 34, has impressed in his quest to find a way back to a major league bullpen. In four appearances (6 innings) for the Knights, Francisco has yet to allow an earned run, while striking out 10. … IronPigs 3B Maikel Franco is the top prospect in the Phillies organization, according to Baseball America. Following the 2013 season, BA ranked Franco the No. 17 prospect in the game.

Knights Walkup Song of the Day: Dan Black – Timber, Pitbull ft. Ke$ha

Lots happening with Knights, who return to Charlotte Monday

The Knights opened up their scheduled eight-game road trip with a 9-4 win over Rochester on April 26. However, six consecutive losses sandwiched around a rain out have them returning to BB&T BallPark on Monday still looking for their first win in the month of May.

Five of the Knights six losses have come by two runs or less (four by one run and two walk-offs). Given that the roster has been fairly fluid over the past two weeks, the rapidly growing number in the loss column doesn’t fully represent the quality of baseball the Knights (10-19) have played.

Recapping the road trip:

April 27 – The Chicago White Sox promoted Knights RHP Scott Carroll to the Majors and optioned former Charlotte Ace Erik Johnson back to Triple-A.

Carroll, 29, dazzled in his long-awaited Major League debut at U.S Cellular Field, tossing 7 1/3 innings in place of the injured Chris Sale. He allowed two runs (one earned) and left the field to a standing ovation.

After spending parts of the last eight seasons in the minors (138 appearances in all) and battling back from Tommy John surgery two years ago, Carroll is truly one of the better stories in the Big Leagues right now.

Check out what White Sox DH Adam Dunn did for Carroll and his more than 30 family members following the White Sox 9-2 win on April 28.

May 1 – After tossing five hitless innings in his BB&T debut, Tommy Hanson regressed a bit. The former Atlanta Braves ace (and one-time No. 2 prospect in all of baseball according to Baseball America) allowed three runs on five hits over 4 1/3 innings of work. The 27-year-old struggled with his command, walking five and tossing 87 pitches.

May 2 – Erik Johnson, who had struggled in the Majors this season to the tune of a 1-1 record and a 6.46 ERA in five starts, looked liked his old self, shutting out the Bisons over six innings of work. The right-hander allowed just three hits and struck out six. He wound up with a no-decision, as the Knights fell, 1-0, in 11 innings.

May 3 – White Sox RHP Felipe Paulino began his Major League rehab assignment with the Knights. The 30-year old, allowed two runs (one earned) over two innings of work. He hadn’t pitched in a game since being diagnosed with right rotator cuff inflammation on April 28. 

During the game, the White Sox announced the promotion of Knights lefty Frank De Los Santos to Chicago. The Southpaw had not allowed a run in 5.2 innings pitched for Charlotte over three appearances this season.

May 4 – Conor Gillaspie, who is currently on the Chicago White Sox 15-day disabled list with a left hand contusion, begin a rehab assignment with Charlotte, going 1-for-4 with a home run.

On Sunday, De Los Santos was also optioned back to Charlotte by the White Sox, who added former Toronto Blue Jays OF Moises Sieraa to their Major League roster.

• Knights 2B Carlos Sanchez will return to Charlotte riding a seven-game hitting streak. The switch-hitter is batting .333 (9-for-27) since beginning the hitting streak on April 26.
• One of the bigger storylines of this season has been the continued struggles of Knights top prospect Matt Davidson. The third baseman is now hitting .165 (16 for 97) on the season with 3 HR and an International League-leading 42 Ks. He’s actually hit worse ahead in the count (.080) than he has behind (.250). The 23-year-old finished last season with a .274 batting average and 20 HR between Triple-A Reno and the Arizona Diamondbacks.   
• Former Mets closer Frank Francisco has impressed in his quest to find a way back into a Major League bullpen. In four appearances (6 IP) for the Knights, the 34-year-old has yet to allow an earned run, while striking out 10.   

RHP Dylan Axelrod (1-3, 4.00) will start on Monday as the Knights host Barry Enright (0-2, 5.16) and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs at BB&T BallPark at 7:05 p.m..

Tommy Hanson shines in his BB&T BallPark Debut for the Charlotte Knights

By Seth Lakso, Charlotte Observer Correspondent

In one of the more anticipated pitching debuts at BB&T BallPark this season, Tommy Hanson didn’t disappoint.

The 6-foot-6-inch former Atlanta Braves ace, tossed five hitless innings on his way to a win for the Knights, who took three of four from the Durham Bulls with a 3-1 win in front of a crowd of 10,307 on Friday.

The win was the third in a row for Charlotte, which handed the Bulls (15-8) their first series defeat of the season.

After allowing four runs on four hits in four innings in his first start of the season six days ago in Gwinnett, Hanson (1-1, 4.00) was considerably sharper on Friday, striking out six Bulls, while walking three. He threw 74 pitches on the night, 44 for strikes.

“I felt good,” said Hanson, who was pulled from the game with his no-hitter still intact. “A lot better than the first (start). I commanded my pitches ok and just tried to keep them off balance. Besides the walks, I feel like it was a pretty good outing.”

The right-hander said that he struggled to locate his changeup, but that he otherwise had everything working on Friday.

“I hit a wall my last outing,” he said. “This one, I felt good. I could have kept going and that’s a positive sign. I’m going to try to just keep building on that.”

Hanson, 27, had spent the previous five seasons in the Major Leagues (four years in Atlanta and one in Anaheim). He entered 2009 as the No. 2 prospect in the game, according to Baseball America and went 11-4 with a 2.89 ERA in 21 games with the Braves.

However, a rash of arm injuries led to his velocity dipping in 2013, and after a disappointing spring with the Texas Rangers, he was released. Before signing a Minor League contract with the White Sox on April 8, Hanson had spent two weeks without an employer.

“I had two weeks off where I wasn’t really throwing to a catcher," he said. "I was just throwing against a fence and having my wife roll the balls back to me. So I’m just trying to build my arm-strength back up and keep working on my command.”

The Knights (9-13) got all the runs they’d need in the first inning thanks to a two-out three-run home run from Andy Wilkins, who beat up on the Bulls over the last three games to the tune of a .400 average (4 for 10) with two home runs, two doubles and eight RBIs.

Charlotte relievers Frank Francisco (2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K) and Mitchell Boggs (2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K) were able to preserve the win for Hanson.

The Bulls first hit of the night came in the sixth inning, when Kevin Kiermaier led off with a single. However, in an attempt to stretch it into a double, Kiermaier was thrown out by Knights right fielder Denis Phipps.

The lone Durham run came on a two-out solo home run by Wilson Betemit in the top of the ninth off Boggs.

Friday’s sellout was the sixth of the season for the Knights. It took the number of fans to pass through BB&T BallPark’s gates to 106,058. The Knights entered the day leading the entire Minor Leagues in average attendance with an average of 9,575 per game.

It took the Knights until June 2 (29 games) to reach to 100,000 fans last season in Fort Mill, S.C.

“It was a great crowd,” said Hanson. “It’s been great, especially the last two nights. It’s fun to play when you’ve got some fans out there. It adds to your adrenaline a little bit.”

Charlotte will now head to Rochester, N.Y., for four games against the Red Wings before hopping over to Buffalo, on May 1^st for a four game set with the Bisons.

Charlotte Knights snap slide at eight games with 9-1 win over Durham Bulls

By Seth Lakso, Charlotte Observer Correspondent

The Charlotte Knights had watched their record go from a game above .500 to seven games below over the course of an eight-game losing streak that began on April 14th.

With each loss, you could feel the pressure building. In Fort Mill, S.C., they could fly under the radar. Here, in Charlotte, people were beginning to talk.

Wednesday was about putting all that to bed.

The Knights entered the game with a collective batting average of .213. They opted to skip their morning batting practice and instead wound up taking it off of Durham Bulls starter Nate Karns, on their way to a 9-1 win in front of a crowd of 9,574 at BB&T Ballpark.

The game’s first pitch came at t 11:12 a.m.; by 11:30, Charlotte had a 5-0 lead. By noon, they were up eight.

It had been 14 games since the Knights had scored more than six runs in a game. Three batters in, they had three runs on the board, thanks to Andy Wilkins’ second home run in four games.

Three batters later, Alex Liddi (1 for 5, 2 RBI) connected on a two-run shot to cap the first inning scoring and set the tone for Charlotte’s starter, Deunte Heath, who tossed five scoreless innings to record his first win of the season.

“We came out and scored quick,” said Wilkins, who finished the afternoon 2 for 5 with three runs batted in. “When you lose eight games in a row, any kind of early offensive push is good. (Heath) did a great job out there today too. I think it was just a good overall win.”  

In the second inning, Charlotte continued to tee off on Karns -- who lasted just the two frames and fell to 2-2 on the season -- for three more runs.

Jared Mitchell led off the inning with a triple and came in to score on a sacrifice fly.

After a walk and an error put runners on first and second, Hector Gimenez (1 for 3, 2 RBI, 2 BB) cleared the bases with a double.

By the end of the fourth inning, where Tyler Saladino picked up an RBI with a bases-loaded walk, the Knights had already set a season-high in runs scored with nine.

Every Charlotte starter reached base at least once via a walk or a hit. A feat made more impressive, considering both the starting third baseman, Matt Davidson, and starting catcher, Josh Phegley, were given the day off.

Heath allowed just two hits over his five innings of work and managed to toss just 49 pitches, before giving way to former New York Mets closer Frank Francisco, who made his Knights debut.

Francisco allowed a run on a walk, a hit, and an error. He threw 14 pitches -- all fastballs -- and looked out of place trying to cover first on an attempted 3-6-1 double play, but called the appearance a success following the game.

“The good thing today was that I was able to locate my fastball, you know, and make the hitter hit the ball on the ground,” said Francisco, who joined the team late Tuesday night from extended spring training in Arizona. “That’s what’s most important. My fastball was working really good, so I didn’t see the need to go to my other pitches.”

Asked where he's at physically, Francisco responded: "It’s my second game. I’ve got to be tested first, like have a long inning, and see how much gas I have in the tank. For me, I did good today."  

The win snapped a five-game losing streak to Durham, who the Knights will play again on Thursday and Friday, before heading out on an eight-game road trip.

“Everything in this game seems to be a little bit contagious from a confidence standpoint,” said Knights manager Joel Skinner. “You try to feed off each other. When guys are doing well, other guys usually start to chip in and that’s how it starts. Today was a good sign.”

Notes: Josh Phegely missed the game because of what Knights coach Joel Skinner termed, "a sore leg."
"It’s nothing big," continued Skinner. "We’re just being pertinent and taking care of the situation. We'll see how he does, but he’s feeling better." ... Asked about Matt Davidson's day off, Skinner replied: "When you have these 11 o’clock games, you try to pick a guy that maybe could use the time off and today I thought would be a good day for him to have a day off." Over his last 10 games, the 23-year-old is hitting .086 (3 for 35) with one home run and 19 strikeouts. ... The Knights improved to 2-6 against the Bulls this season. ... The road-loss was Durham's second this season. ... For a link to Jeff Siner's photos from the game, CLICK HERE. 

Final: Charlotte Knights 9, Durham Bulls 1

Final: Knights 9, Bulls 1 -- Javy Guerra sent the Bulls down in order to finish this one off. The win snapped a season-high eight-game losing streak for the Knights. The nine runs scored, was the most by Charlotte in any game this season (previous high was eight). Deunte Heath (1-0) tossed five scoreless innings and allowed two hits to record his first win of the season.  

The Knights knocked Bulls starter Nate Karns out after two innings of work. He allowed eight runs (seven earned) on six hits and three walks. The Bulls made two errors behind him. Every Charlotte batter reached base via a walk or hit at least once. Andy Wilkins and Alex Liddi each homered in the first inning.

Bottom 8th: Knights 9, Bulls 1 -- Hector Gimenez drew the Knights' eight walk of the game, but was stranded at first. Charlotte has not gone down in order once this game.

Top 8th: Knights 9, Bulls 1 -- A clean inning for Javy Guerra, who allowed a leadoff single, but then induced a 4-6-3 double-play ball off the bat of Ray Olmedo.

Bottom 7th: Knights 9, Bulls 1 -- The Knights stranded two. Carlos Sanchez is now 2 for 2 on the day with a walk and two runs scored. Javy Guerra on to pitch for Charlotte.

This afternoon's official attendance came in at: 9,574.

Top 7th: Knights 9, Bulls 1 -- Taylor Thompson allowed three hits, but managed to get out of the inning without surrendering a run. A strong throw from CF Gorkys Hernandez held Wilson Betemit at third with one out.

Bottom 6th: Knights 9, Bulls 1 -- One-two-three inning for Juan Sandoval. Taylor Thompson coming on to pitch for Charlotte.

Top 6th: Knights 9, Bulls 1 -- Frank Francisco allowed a run on a walk, a hit and an error. He threw 14 pitches (10 for strikes) and looked real out of place trying to cover first on an attempted 3-6-1 double-play.

Bottom 5th: Knights 9, Bulls 0 -- Andy Wilkins (2 for 3, HR) doubled with two outs, but was stranded there. Here's comes Frank Francisco to make his Charlotte Knights debut.

Top 5th: Knights 9, Bulls 0 -- Deunte Heath's likely done for the night with Frank Francisco now warming in the Knights bullpen. He was excellent today, retiring the final eight batters he faced.

Heath's line: 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB (49 pitches).

Bottom 4th: Knights 9, Bulls 0 -- This video about sums up the inning...

 

Tyler Saladino walked to force in the Knights' ninth run of the game. The free pass was the third of the inning issued by the Bulls.  

Top 4th: Knights 8, Bulls 0 -- Deunte Heath has now retired nine of the last 10 Durham batters. He's at 41 pitches through four innings of work. Doing exactly what the Knights needed him to do today.

Bottom 3rd: Knights 8, Bulls 0 -- RHP Doug Mathis came on in relief of Nate Karns (2 IP, 6 H, 8 R (7 ER), 2 BB, 3 K, 2 HR) and managed to hold the Knights scoreless.

Top 3rd: Knights 8, Bulls 0 -- Deunte Heath worked around a Mike Fontenot double to leadoff the inning.

Heath's pitch count: 29.

Bottom 2nd: Knights 8, Bulls 0 -- The Knights continued to hit Nate Karns hard in the second. Jared Mitchell led off the inning with a triple to the gap in right center and came home on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Gorkys Hernandez.

After a walk and an error put runners on first and second, Hector Gimenez cleared the bases with a double. Eight runs ties the Knights' season-high for runs in a game.

Top 2nd: Knights 5, Bulls 0 -- Three up and three down for Deunte Heath. The right-hander's thrown 15 pitches through two innings of work. He's expected to toss somewhere between 50 and 75 pitches today.

Bottom 1st: Knights 5, Bulls 0 -- Picture perfect start to the game for the Knights offense. Gorkys Hernandez and Carlos Sanchez each singled and then came in to score on a three-run blast by Andy Wilkins.

After Hector Gimenez grounded out, Dan Black worked a walk and got to take his time rounding the rest of the bases when Alex Liddi sent one over everything in left to put the Knights up 5-0. Charlotte entered the day with just eight first-inning runs scored all season.

Top 1st: Knights 0, Bulls 0 -- Kevin Kiermaier led off the game with a single, but was quickly doubled up when Ray Olmedo lined out to Carlos Sanchez at second. After taking a 3-2 walk, Justin Christian was caught stealing to end the inning. 

Pregame:

Knights (6-13)

Gorkys Hernandez CF

Carlos Sanchez 2B

Andy Wilkins DH

Hector Gimenez C

Dan Black 1B

Alex Liddi 3B

Blake Tekotte RF

Tyler Saladino SS

Jared Mitchell LF

Pitching: RHP Deunte Heath (0-0, 2.45)

Bulls (15-5)

Kevin Kiermaier CF

Ray Olmedo 3B

Justin Christian LF

Wilson Betemit DH

Jerry Sands 1B

Mikie Mahtook RF

Mike Fontenot 2B

Ali Solis C

Hak-ju Lee SS

Pitching: RHP Nate Karns (2-1, 5.59)

Game time: 11:05 a.m.

TV/Radio: MiLB.TV / ESPN 730

Stat of the Day: Among payers currently in the International League, Tyler Saladino ranks fourth with a .359 batting average. If you take him out of the Knights’ lineup, the team is hitting just .196 on the season (.213 with).

Notes: Deunte Heath is making his first start of the season for the Knights. LHP Charlie Leesman was today’s scheduled starter, but he was called up to the White Sox on Monday. He started for Chicago on Tuesday against Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers and allowed six runs on nine hits in 2 2/3 innings of work. …  Tuesday was Tyler Saladino’s first career two home run game. … Former Mets closer Frank Francisco is expected to make his Knights debut. He arrived in Charlotte at 10 p.m. on Tuesday. … Third baseman Matt Davidson is not in the starting lineup for the first time this season. Over his last 10 games, the 23-year-old is hitting .086 (3 for 35) with one home run and 19 strikeouts. … Catcher Josh Phegley is out for the second straight game. … Charlotte has lost its last eight games. They last lost nine in a row in 2005 from April 11-20.

Knights Walkup Song of the Day: Carlos Sanchez – Feel This Moment, Pitbull  

Final: Charlotte Knights 4, Durham Bulls 8

By Seth Lakso, Charlotte Observer Correspondent

Final: Knights 4, Bulls 8 -- Tyler Saladino capped off an impressive night at the plate with his second home run. He finished the game 3 for 4 with all four Knights' RBIs. Charlotte has now dropped eight in a row.

See you guys tomorrow. Thanks for reading.

Top 9th: Knights 3, Bulls 8 -- Mitchell Boggs, whose ERA now sits at 12.10, was touched up for two more runs.

Bottom 8th: Knights 3, Bulls 6 -- Brad Boxberger sent the Knights down one-two-three.

Top 8th: Knights 3, Bulls 6 -- As quick as Tyler Saladino's two-run shot gave got the Knights to within a run, Mitchell Boggs managed to give the runs back. He began the inning by hitting Vince Belnome and then allowed back-to-back RBI doubles, the first of which threw up chalk when it landed just fair down the right field line.

Bottom 7th: Knights 3, Bulls 4 -- The Knights were happy to see Merrill Kelly go. They greeted Geitz with back-to-back hits, the second of which was a two-run shot to left by Tyler Saladino, who now has all three of Charlotte's RBIs tonight. Geitz then recovered to strikeout the side.

After two hitless innings of work, LHP David Purcey (three Ks, one BB) looks to be done for the night.

Top 7th: Knights 1, Bulls 4 -- Another strong inning for David Purcey, who sent the Bulls down one-two-three.

That's the nights for Merrill Kelly: 6 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 K (91 pitches). RHP Steve Geitz on to pitch for Durham.

Bottom 6th: Knights 1, Bulls 4 -- Nothing doing for Charlotte. Matt Davidson (0 for 3), Andy Wilkins  (0 for 3) and Dan Black (2 for 3) went down in order.

Top 6th: Knights 1, Bulls 4 -- A nice inning for David Purcey, who struck out two.

Bottom 5th: Knights 1, Bulls 4 -- Carlos Sanchez (1 for 2) singled with two outs, but was stranded at first. Jared Mitchell began the inning with a strikeout. He has now fanned 23 times in 41at bats this season (56 percent of the time). He works counts well, but seems to lack any kind of plan with two-strikes.

That's also the night for Axelrod: 5 IP, 7 H, 4 R (3 ER), 3 BB, 1 K, 1 HBP (98 pitches). LHP David Purcey is now on the mound.

Top 5th: Knights 1, Bulls 4 -- Axelrod worked around another miscue behind him when Blake Tekotte played a Wilson Betemit single into a leadoff double.

Bottom 4th: Knights 1, Bulls 4 -- The Knights had some fun with two outs. Dan Black (2 for 2) hit a line drive off Merrill Kelly for a single and advanced to second on a single by Blake Tekotte. Tyler Saladino then knocked in Black with a single down the right field line, but was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double to end the inning.

Top 4th: Knights 0, Bulls 4 -- Knights defense didn't do Axelrod any favors. With one out, Matt Davidson couldn't handle a ball off the bat of Mikie Mahtook cleanly. Following a single and a pop out, Dan Black misplayed a goundball to first and allowed Mahtook to put the Bulls up four.

Bottom 3rd: Knights 0, Bulls 3 -- Following a one-out double to left by Gorkys Hernanded (2 for 2), the Knights fell to 0 for 4 with runners in scoring position when Carlos Sanchez lined out to right and Hector Gimenez Kd for the second time in two ABs.

Fun note: The Bulls are 12-0 this season when scoring first.

Top 3rd: Knights 0, Bulls 3 -- Axelrod got Mike Fontenot to pop to second and then came apart. The trouble began when he plunked the light-hitting Eddy Rodriguez (.115). Kevin Kiermaier then laced a double to right and Justin Christian followed with a three-run shot off the Piedmont Natural Gas awning in left.

Axe then walked Cole Figueroa, prompting a trip to the mound by Knights pitching coach Richard Dotson. Two pitches later, Hector Gimenez helped out his battery mate by picking off Figueroa. Following a walk to Wilson Betemit, Jerry Sands grounded out to second to end the inning.

Axelrod has now thrown 58 pitches (31 strikes).

Bottom 2nd: Knights 0, Bulls 0 -- Merrill Kelly worked around a one-out single by Dan Black to keep the Knights off the scoreboard. Kelly now has four K's through two innings. He's thrown 34 pitches.

Top 2nd: Knights 0, Bulls 0 --  Three up and three down for Axelrod, who struck out Mikie Mahtook to end the inning.

Bottom 1st: Knights 0, Bulls 0 -- Gorkys Hernandez led off the inning with a single. Carlos Sanchez sacrificed him to second. Hector Gimenez (swinging) and Matt Davidson (looking) then both K'd.

Top 1st: Knights 0, Bulls 0 -- Dylan Axelrod worked around two hits in the inning thanks to a fine throw from right fielder Blake Takotte that cut down Justin Christian as he tried to go first-to-third on a single by Cole Figueroa.

Pregame:

Knights (6-12)

Gorkys Hernandez CF

Carlos Sanchez 2B

Hector Gimenez C

Matt Davidson 3B

Andy Wilkins 1B

Dan Black DH

Blake Tekotte RF

Tyler Saladino SS

Jared Mitchell LF
Pitching: RHP Dylan Axelrod (1-1, 4.50)

Bulls (14-5)

Kevin Kiermaier CF

Justin Christian LF

Cole Figueroa SS

Wilson Betemit 1B

Jerry Sands DH

Vince Belnome 3B

Mikie Mahtook RF

Mike Fontenot 2B

Eddy Rodriguez C
Pitching: RHP Merrill Kelly (3-0, 1.50)

Game time: 7:05 p.m.

TV/Radio: MiLB.TV / ESPN 730

Stat of the Day: Through seven games, the Knights are averaging 9,568 fans (66,977 total). It took 20 games last season to get to 69,464.

Notes: This will be RHP Dylan Axelrod's fourth start of the season. He entered 2014 with the lowest ERA in Knights franchise history (2.58). After 16.0 IP this season, he now owns a 2.73 ERA. ... LHP Charlie Leesman, who was scheduled to start for the Knights on Wednesday, has been recalled to the Chicago White Sox. His roster spot has been filled by former Mets closer Frank Francisco, who will likely make his Knights debut on Wednesday. ... Charlotte is yet to announce a starter for Wednesday's game. As of right now, it appears that it will be a patchwork game by the bullpen, with several guys being counted on to throw multiple innings. ... With a win tonight the Knights would snap a season-high seven-game losing streak. They have not won a game since April 13. ... After hitting two doubles in Monday's loss to Gwinnett, Knights catcher Josh Phegley has been given the day off by Charlotte manager Joel Skinner. ... Bulls starter, Merrill Kelly (3-0) began the season in the bullpen, but transitioned into a starter when the need arose. This will be his third start of the season. The right-hander's first win of the season came against the Knights on April 7. ... The Knights have lost four straight games to the Bulls this season and five of six overall.    

Knights Walkup Song of the Day: Tyler Saladino Double Bubble Trouble, M.I.A.