Knights down Pigs in homestand opener

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The Charlotte Knights defeated the Lehigh Valley IronPigs 5-1 Tuesday at Coca-Cola Park. Charlotte got a strong start by Carlos Rodón in a Good Shepherd rehab start and a solo home run by Michael Saunders in the victory.

The Knights got off to a hot start against the Pigs and starter Ben Lively (1-2). Charlotte got its first four batters aboard and jumped out to a 2-0 lead on an RBI double by Alex Presley. Lively would bounce back and strike out two in the inning and hold Charlotte to just the two runs.
The Knights added another run in the top of the second and another in the fourth on a solo home run by Michael Saunders. Lively would settle in against the Knights after the home run, which was the last hit he allowed in six innings of work. Lively retired nine of the final 10 batters that he faced to end his outing.
Rodón (1-0) held the Pigs bats at bay throughout the evening, retiring the first seven batters he faced (five via strikeout). He went five innings, allowed three hits, and struck out eight.
Jake Thompson had his best outing of the season with two scoreless innings in relief of Lively. Thompson struck out the side in the top of the seventh inning and fanned four overall. Thompson retired all six batters that he faced to keep the IronPigs in the game.
Lehigh Valley did get on the board in the bottom of the eighth against former Phillies closer Jenmar Gomez. Collin Cowgill singled and scored on an RBI double by Mitch Walding to make it a 4-1 game.
Charlotte got insurance in the top of the ninth against Pedro Beato. A solo home run by Mason Robbins made it a 5-1 game.
The Knights and Pigs resume their three-game series Wednesday night at 7:05 with Cole Irvin on the mound against Carson Fulmer. It's Jewish Heritage Night at Coca-Cola Park presented by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.
The 2018 Season is the IronPigs' 11th season at Coca-Cola Park and 11th as the top affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. Fans can get closer to the team than ever before with a Bacon, USA membership -- a year-round IronPigs experience pass featuring numerous amenities such as savings on parking at games and at the Majestic Clubhouse Store at Coca-Cola Park, on-field VIP access to watch batting practice, access to the annual holiday party, and more. For more information, click here or call (610) 841-PIGS (7447).
The 2018 IronPigs baseball season is presented by Capital BlueCross.