Knights Sanchez Stays Hot in loss to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre

WCCB Charlotte,

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Courtesy: Charlotte Knights

(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) – The Charlotte Knights (14-9) rallied from four runs down to tie early on, but were eventually edged 6-5 by the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (12-13) in the Sunday finale as the teams split their four-game series.

The RailRiders got an early lead, scoring a run off of Knights starter RHP Brad Penny (1-3, 7.27) in the first inning on a Rob Refsnyder single that plated Jose Pirela.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre added three more in the top of the second inning, with Slade Heathcott delivering the biggest hit of the inning – a two-RBI double.

The Knights offense provided a loud response in the bottom of the second, scoring four runs to tie the game 4-4. Jason Coats drove in a pair with his first double of the season, cutting the lead to 4-3. Knights catcher Jeremy Dowdy then tied the game, scoring Coats from second base with his third double of the season.

Scranton was able to take the lead again with a run in the fourth frame on a Kyle Roller RBI-double. The RailRiders first baseman and Rockingham, NC native would add a much-needed insurance run in the top of the seventh when he tallied his third home run of the season – and second of the series – to give the visitors a 6-4 lead.

The Knights were able to add a run in the bottom of the seventh on a Trayce Thompson RBI-single – part of his three-for-three day – but the comeback fell just a run short.

Carlos Sanchez continued to stay hot for the Knights as he contributed a fifth-consecutive multi-hit game with his two-for-five performance on Sunday. Sanchez tallied 13 hits in the four-game series against the RailRiders, and is leading the International League with his .407 batting average.

With the loss on Sunday, the Knights completed their seven-game homestand with a 4-3 record, maintaining sole possession of first place in the International League South Division. The team will have the day off on Monday before beginning a six-game road trip in Columbus on Tuesday night.