CHARLOTTE, NC – The Charlotte Knights (50-40) slugged their way past the Gwinnett Stripers (51-39) by a 15-12 score Thursday night in game one of the four-game series at BB&T Ballpark. Stripers’ catcher Alex Jackson homered twice and collected a career-high six RBIs in the loss.
Scoring Recap: The Stripers took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning as Jack Lopez (7) hit a solo home run off Charlotte starting pitcher Donny Roach. Pedro Florimon broke a 1-1 tie with an RBI single to put Gwinnett up 2-1 in the second, but the Knights responded with two runs in the second and six more in the third to go up 9-2. The big blow in the third was a grand slam by Chicago White Sox top prospect Luis Robert (1). The Stripers closed to within 9-7 on a two-run homer by Jackson (16) in the fifth, but Charlotte pulled away again in the bottom of the fifth. A two-run homer by Trey Michalczewski (2) and a solo shot by Robert (2) gave the Knights a 12-7 lead. Jackson (17) belted a three-run homer in the sixth to cut the deficit to 12-11, but Charlotte added three runs in the bottom of the sixth to make it 15-11. An RBI single by Luis Marte made it 15-12 in the ninth.
Stripers Stats: Bryse Wilson (L, 4-7) was tagged for nine earned runs on eight hits in 2.2 innings. Four relievers combined to allow six runs over the final 5.1 innings. In addition to Jackson’s 4-for-5 effort, Rafael Ortega was 4-for-5 with two doubles and three runs, and Lopez was 3-for-5 with a homer and two RBIs.
Knights Stats: Roach lasted only 4.1 innings with 12 hits and seven earned runs in a no-decision. The win went to Matt Foster (W, 4-1), who was one of four pitchers used out of the bullpen. He worked 1.0 scoreless inning with one hit and two strikeouts. Robert, playing in his first Triple-A game, was 3-for-5 with two homers and seven RBIs. Danny Mendick was 4-for-5 with a double and three runs.
Postgame Notes: Atlanta Braves’ outfielder Ender Inciarte, playing in his first rehab game with Gwinnett this season, went 0-for-5. The Stripers’ 18 hits were a season high, but the club also matched a season high with 15 runs allowed. Gwinnett leads Charlotte by 1.0 game for the International League Wild Card spot.
Next Game (Friday, July 12): Gwinnett at Charlotte, 7:04 p.m. at BB&T Ballpark. RHP Kyle Wright (6-4, 4.92 ERA) for the Stripers vs. LHP Justin Nicolino (5-2, 4.30 ERA) for the Knights. Radio Broadcast: 6:50 p.m. on 97.7 and 93.5 FM “The Other Side of the River.”
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The Gwinnett Stripers are the Triple-A International League affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, playing their 11th season at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville, Ga. For tickets, team merchandise or more information, visit GoStripers.com. Follow the Stripers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at GoStripers.