CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Louisville Bats (54-69) defeated the Charlotte Knights (56-67) by a 3-1 score in Sunday's series finale at BB&T Ballpark. With the victory, Louisville wins the season series over Charlotte.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Louisville Bats (54-69) defeated the Charlotte Knights (56-67) by a 3-1 score in Sunday's series finale at BB&T Ballpark. With the victory, Louisville wins the season series over Charlotte.
The Bats won on a dominant pitching performance, started by right-hander Tyler Mahle (1-1, 3.18), who won his first game with Louisville in his third outing since being optioned. Mahle went 6.0 shutout innings, giving up just two hits, walking three and striking out six. He threw 106 pitches, 63 for strikes.
First baseman D.J. Peterson got the Bats on the board in the top of the fifth, with his 15th home run of the season giving Louisville a 1-0 lead. Second baseman Josh VanMeter had a monster showing at the plate during the win, going 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and a triple, the first Louisville player to do that in a game since Dave Sappelt nearly eight years ago.
Louisville third baseman Taylor Sparks provided the offense with some insurance, hitting a solo home run in the ninth to give the Bats a 3-0 lead. Meanwhile, Louisville reliever Jesús Reyes tossed a scoreless inning of relief, with left-hander Kyle Crockett striking out the only batter he faced.
Bats closer Kevin Quackenbush got the five-out save, his 22nd of the season. He gave up a run in the ninth inning as Charlotte brought the tying and winning run to the plate, but struck out top prospect Eloy Jiménez to secure the 3-1 win and split the four-game series.
The Louisville Bats have an off day tomorrow, before heading home to Louisville Slugger Field to begin a three-game series with the Toledo Mud Hens and a five-game homestand.
