KNIGHTS KNOTES — April 26, 2019
KNIGHT LIGHTS: The first place Charlotte Knights will continue their nine-game homestand tonight at BB&T Ballpark as they open a three-game series against the Indianapolis Indians (Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates). Last night, the Knights played the finale of their three-game series against the Toledo Mud Hens (Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers). The Knights, who fell short in their attempt at a three-game series sweep, are 2–1 so far on the homestand. The Knights are now 8–2 at home this season.
ABOUT LAST KNIGHT: In a high-scoring affair, the Charlotte Knights were defeated 11–7 by the Toledo Mud Hens on Thursday night at BB&T Ballpark in the finale of their three-game series. The Knights electric offense once again used the long ball — combining to hit four in last night’s game. OF Charlie Tilson, INF Danny Mendick, INF Ryan Goins, and INF D.J. Peterson all homered in the contest.
ROSTER MOVES: The Knights announced two roster moves before today’s game. Catcher Alfredo González, 26, was promoted to the Knights from Double-A Birmingham. He was hitting .345 (10-for-29) with five runs scored, three doubles, and four RBIs with the Double-A Birmingham Barons this season. The Venezuelan native made his major league debut last season (5/26/18) with the Chicago White Sox and appeared in three games with the club (1-for-9). He has appeared in parts of two seasons with the Knights (2016 & 2018). He was obtained by the White Sox from the Houston Astros for cash considerations on July 2, 2016… C Brett Nicholas, who joined the Charlotte Knights yesterday from Extended Spring Training, was assigned to the Double-A Birmingham Barons today. Nicholas, who did not play for the Knights in last night’s game, was originally drafted by the Texas Rangers in the sixth round of the 2010 MLB June Amateur Draft.
PROLIFIC OFFENSE: The Knights, who put up seven runs last night, have scored at least 10 in a game seven times this season (21 games). As a team, the Knights are first in the IL in batting average (.280), first in runs scored (142), first in hits (196), first in doubles (60), first in home runs (32), and first in RBIs (133).
AL SEE THIS, AL HIT THIS: SS Alcides Escobar went 2-for-4 last night to extend his hit-streak to 10 consecutive games. During the 10-game streak, Escobar is hitting .432 (19-for-44) with six runs scored, six doubles, and seven RBIs. For the season, Escobar is hitting .406 (28-for-69), which is good for the second best mark in the International League this season. He leads the IL in hits (28), and is tied for the IL lead in doubles (9).
CHARLES IN CHARGE: OF Charlie Tilson launched his first home run of the season last night. Tilson has been on-fire this season and is hitting .375 (27-for-72) in 18 games for the Knights. He is fifth in the IL in batting average, is second in the IL in hits (27) and second in runs scored (17). Over his last nine games, he is hitting .410 (16-for-39).
GOINS, GOINS, GONE: INF Ryan Goins launched his second home run of the season last night, a two-run, sixth-inning home run. Over his last seven games, Goins is hitting .400 (10-for-25) with five runs scored, one home run, and five RBIs. In 16 games this season, he is hitting .308 (16-for-52) on the season.
TO-KNIGHTS STARTING PITCHER: RHP Donny Roach (0–2, 9.50) will get the start tonight at BB&T Ballpark. Last season with the Knights, Roach went 9–2 with a 2.65 ERA in 16 games (15 starts). He went 5–0 with a 0.98 ERA in the month of June and was named as the International League’s Player of the Month and the Chicago White Sox Pitcher of the Month for June. Roach asked for and was granted his release by the White Sox on July 5th to pursue an opportunity to pitch in Japan. He re-signed with the White Sox this offseason.
EVAN ALL-RIGHTY: RHP Evan Marshall (3–0, 0.00) is currently tied for the International League lead in wins with three and has not allowed a run in all eight of his appearances this season (9.0 IP). Marshall also has two saves on the season. The 29-year-old right-hander was signed as a free agent on October 30, 2018 by the White Sox.
