'Pigs Squeak Past Knights 3-1 on Friday

(ALLENTOWN, PA) - Former Charlotte starter Jason Berken (3-2, 4.29) threw five scoreless innings, and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs used a three-run second inning to squeak past the Charlotte Knights 3-1 on Friday in game two of their four-game series from Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, PA. The win was the fifth consecutive for the 'Pigs and second-straight over the Knights.

Much like Thursday's game in which Charlotte's starter was effective, the IronPigs once again used solid pitching and timely hitting to keep the Knights at bay. The final score in each of the first two games of the series was also the same, 3-1.

Berken, who spent the entire 2013 season with the Knights, allowed just three walks and three hits over his five shutout innings for the win - his second as a starter this season. The Clemson University product made just his third start of the season with the 'Pigs on Friday.

The IronPigs scored all three of their runs in the second inning courtesy of three big hits. Chris McGuiness drove home the game's first run with an RBI double. Cord Phelps followed with an RBI single to give the 'Pigs a 2-0 lead. Three batters later, Tyler Henson singled home the third run of the game.

Despite the three-run second inning, Charlotte starter Chris Beck (3-2, 3.30) was sharp over seven innings of work, but he was the hard-luck losing pitcher. Beck, who entered the game with a three-game win-streak, allowed three runs (all in the second inning) and was saddled with the loss. In all, Beck gave up three runs (two earned) on six hits. He struck-out six. It was his first loss during the month of May (four starts).

The Knights scored their lone run of the game off Winthrop University product Chris Leroux, who had his troubles in the eighth inning. Leroux, who came on in relief of Colton Murray, allowed an unearned run in the inning without allowing a hit. Charlotte infielder Leury Garcia scored in the eighth when Trayce Thompson reached on a throwing error by Lehigh Valley third baseman Cord Phelps.

Lehigh Valley reliever Caesar Jimenez recorded the final four outs of the game to notch his fourth save of the season.

The two teams will continue their series at 6:35 p.m. on Saturday from Coca-Cola Park. RHP Junior Guerra (0-2, 2.16) gets the start for the Knights against Lehigh Valley LHP Phillippe Aumont (1-1, 1.38). Pre-game radio coverage starts at 6:20 p.m. on ESPN 730 AM. The "Voice of the Charlotte Knights" Matt Swierad will have the call for all of the action.