Knights Squeak Past Bulls in 3-2 Decision
DURHAM, NC - The Charlotte Knights broke a tie ballgame in the ninth inning, defeating the Durham Bulls 3-2 Wednesday night at the DBAP.
Tied 2-2 entering the top of the ninth, Matt Davidson cracked a leadoff homer over the Blue Monster in left field for Charlotte (8-5) to put them ahead. In the bottom of the frame the Bulls put a runner on second base with just one away, but could not score him to end their modest two-game winning streak.
The Knights scored the contest's first two runs, plating a pair in the fourth inning behind two hits, two walks and a wild pitch. The Bulls (6-8) countered in the fifth though, plating a run when J.P. Arencibia hit his first homer as a Bull to center field to cut the deficit to one. In the seventh Durham tied the game when Alexi Casilla singled to left, scoring Luke Maile who doubled to lead off the frame.
In the eighth Durham threatened with a leadoff double from Mikie Mahtook, but he was stranded as the home side went just 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position on the evening.
Arcenio Leon (1-0) earned the win by tossing a scoreless inning of relief, while Jairo Asencio earned his fifth save of the campaign. Jordan Norberto (1-1) suffered the loss, allowing the tie-breaking home run to Davidson in the ninth. Right-hander Matt Buschmann turned in a strong start, earning the no-decision after allowing just two runs on three hits over seven frames, striking out seven. In the second, the veteran notched his 1,000th career strikeout.
The four-game set comes to a close Thursday when the Bulls send LHP Scott Diamond (0-0, 2.00) to the hill opposite RHP Erik Johnson (2-0, 1.13) for the Knights. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.