3-run shot lifts Knights past Herd

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Charlotte's bullpen finished the job, giving the Knights the 5-4 win. The Bisons have now dropped the first two of a 4-game set in Charlotte, and have lost three straight overall.

 

The Bisons looked to be in decent shape for the evening after some solid 7th-inning offense. Down 2-1 headed into the 7th, the Herd produced back-to-back 2-out walks by Fred Lewis and Vinny Rottino. Next up was Valentino Pascucci, and Pascucci came through with a three-run homer that gave the Bisons the 4-2 lead. Unfortunately for the Herd, the lead would not hold up.

Gimenez's three-run shot was made possible by walks as well. Bisons reliever Justin Hampson walked Greg Golson and Dan Johnson in the top of the 8th, allowing Gimenez the opportunity to give the Knights the lead.

Charlotte took an early 2-0 lead with runs scored in the first two innings. Johnson homered off Bisons starter Chris Schwinden to give the Knights the lead in the 1st, and Tyler Kuhn's RBI double in the 2nd scored Josh Phegley.

The Bisons quickly responded in the top of the 3rd to pull within a run. Fred Lewis opened the inning by reaching second base on a throwing error by Charlotte's Osvaldo Martinez, and Rottino followed with a double that scored Lewis.

After Rottino's RBI double, a pitching duel ensued for the next few innings. Schwinden allowed only 4 hits in his 6 innings of work, with 8 strikeouts and a walk. Charlotte starter Dylan Axelrod allowed only 4 hits as well in his 6 innings, with 9 strikeouts and 2 walks.

After Gimenez's 8th-inning homer, the Bisons needed to repeat the late heroics of Friday to extend the game. Brian Bruney came in to close for the Knights, and he made sure that there would be no repeat. Bruney retired the Herd lineup in order, and he ended the game by striking out Lewis and Rottino in succession.

The 4-game set between the Bisons and Knights continues on Sunday. First pitch is set for 2:15 p.m.

Bisons Notes: Pascucci's homer was his team-leading 7th of the year...Vinny Rottino made his return to the Herd after a brief stint with the Mets. Rottino went 1-for-4 with a walk and RBI in his return...Justin Hampson took the loss for the Bisons after allowing Gimenez's 3-run shot, and starter Chris Schwinden received a no-decision...Bobby Scales did not play Saturday and was placed on the temporary inactive list. It has been reported that Scales intends to sign with a team in Japan.