Knights, Danks Brothers Beat PawSox 6-4 Sunday

(Fort Mill, SC) - It was a Mother's Day theme at Knights Stadium on Sunday. There were flowers sent to the seats, a Mother's Day brunch in the Budweiser Brewhouse, a washer and dryer giveaway, and more. But, when the game was over, it turned out to be a day that two brothers wished for as young kids.

Chicago White Sox left-handed pitcher John Danks was solid over six innings, younger brother Jordan had two hits and three RBIs, and the Charlotte Knights -- led by the Danks brothers, beat the Pawtucket Red Sox 6-4 on Sunday in game three of the four-game series from Knights Stadium in Fort Mill, SC.

In front of an eager Mother's Day crowd, John Danks continued to work his way back from 2012 shoulder surgery. The Austin, Texas native allowed three runs (two earned) over six innings en route to his first win of the year with the Knights. It was his second Major League rehab start of the season with Charlotte and third overall (he made a start with Double-A Birmingham on May 2).

Working his way back from last year's surgery, John threw 101 pitches, 66 for strikes on the afternoon. He allowed three walks and struck-out five and felt good when he left the game after the sixth inning. His brother also helped him feel at ease on the mound with a few key hits at the plate.

Jordan Danks, who returned to the Knights lineup from Chicago on Saturday, went 2-4 with three RBIs. With his team down 2-0 heading into the bottom of the first inning, he put the Knights on the scoreboard with a two-run single off Pawtucket starter Alfredo Aceves (2-1, 3.50). The game was now tied 2-2 after one full inning.

Charlotte (13-25) took the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning thanks to a lead-off home run off the bat of Seth Loman - his sixth homer of the season.

The PawSox, however, came right back in the top of the fifth inning and tied the game at 3-3 when Justin Henry scored on a fielding error by Charlotte right fielder Brandon Short.

The Knights quickly came back and took the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. Lars Anderson came through with an RBI double and Jordan Danks added an RBI single to make it a 5-3 Knights lead after five frames.

Charlotte tacked on another run in the sixth inning to make it a 6-3 game. Reliever Ramon Troncoso allowed one run in the ninth inning, but the Knights held on for the 6-4 victory - their first of the homestand.

For John and Jordan, it was a day they had talked about as kids. Being in the same lineup on the same day was extra special for the two. Now, they hope to get back to Chicago very soon to give the White Sox a boost.

The Knights and PawSox will conclude their four-game series on Monday with first pitch scheduled for 7:15 p.m. RHP Zach Stewart is scheduled to start for Charlotte, while Pawtucket will send former Knights hurler Terry Doyle to the hill. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs courtesy of Hebrew National.