Today in Knights History: 4/25/16
April 25, 2016
Davidson’s Three Doubles & Three RBIs Lead Knights Past ‘Hens 4–1
Red-Hot Knights Win for the Fifth Time Over Their Last Six Games
(TOLEDO, OH) — Matt Davidson’s three doubles and three RBIs keyed the red-hot Charlotte Knights to a 4–1 win over the Toledo Mud Hens on Monday in the finale of their three-game series from Fifth Third Field in Toledo, OH. With the win, the Knights earned a series victory over the Mud Hens and won for the fifth time over their last six games.
RHP Erik Johnson was sharp on the mound in his first start since April 14. Johnson, who was optioned to the Knights from the Chicago White Sox on Sunday after their game, allowed one run on seven hits over six innings. The 26-year-old right-hander, who was activated by the Knights on Monday, allowed a solo home run in the bottom of the second to Steven Moya — his third in two days. It was Johnson’s only blemish.
The Knights battled back and scored their first run of the game in the top of the sixth inning off Toledo starter Daniel Norris, who made a major league rehab start for the team. Norris allowed a one-out double to Tim Anderson in the frame. Two batters later, Davidson drove Anderson home with an RBI double to tie the game at 1–1.
Norris, who allowed one run on four hits over six innings, did not factor in the decision. Toledo manager Lloyd McClendon handed the ball to Ruben Alaniz, who was sharp in the seventh. That was not the case in the eighth, however.
Charlotte touched up Alaniz (0–1, 13.50) for three runs in the top of the eighth inning. Jacob May and Anderson began the inning with back-to-back singles. After Carlos Sánchez dropped down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners, it was Davidson’s turn.
Davidson, who led the International League last season with 23 home runs, ripped a two-run double to left field, which scored both May and Anderson. Davidson’s two-run, go-ahead double gave the Knights a 3–1 lead. Three batters later, Sunday’s hero, Leury García, singled home Davidson to make it a 4–1 Charlotte lead. That was all they would need.
RHP Blake Smith (2–0, 8.71) pitched two shutout innings in relief of Johnson to earn the win. Smith gave way to reliever Brad Goldberg, who came on to pitch the ninth inning in search of his first career Triple-A save. After retiring the first two batters he faced, Goldberg allowed a single to Thomas Field. Wynton Bernard then kept the inning alive by reaching base on a fielding error by Davidson. With runners on first and second base, the Mud Hens brought the tying run to the plate.
Dixon Machado ended the threat by grounding out for the game’s final out. Goldberg, who was promoted to Charlotte on Saturday, earned his first career Triple-A save after a scoreless ninth inning.
In all, Davidson finished the game by going 3-for-4 at the plate with three doubles and three RBIs. Anderson, Chicago’s number one prospect as rated by Baseball America, finished the game 4-for-5 with two runs scored, and a double.
