Knights Fall to Bisons 8-7 on Monday

(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) -- The Charlotte Knights tallied three home runs, but dropped the opening game of their three-game series to the Buffalo Bisons by a score of 8-7 on Monday night at BB&T Ballpark in Uptown Charlotte. Buffalo scored five runs over the first two innings and held on for the win despite allowing seven runs to the Knights over a three-inning span (5^th inning through the 7^th inning).

Left fielder Eloy Jiménez, the top prospect in the Chicago White Sox system, launched his 11^th home run of the season in the fifth inning off Buffalo RHP Jacob Waguespack (5-6, 5.01). The home run was a three-run shot, which helped the Knights battle back in the game. The Knights, who scored five runs in the fifth inning, pulled to within just one run twice, but fell short in the end.

First baseman Matt Skole and shortstop Eddy Alvarez both homered in the game for the Knights. The home run was the 11^th of the season for Skole and sixth of the season for Alvarez.

Charlotte RHP Jordan Stephens (3-5, 4.43) was saddled with the loss after he allowed seven runs (five earned) on eight hits over five innings. Relievers Aaron Bummer and Ian Hamilton pitched a scoreless inning apiece for the Knights. Hamilton fanned two batters in the ninth.

The Knights will continue their seven-game homestand on Tuesday night at BB&T Ballpark and host the Bisons in game two of the three-game series. Pre-game radio coverage of Tuesday's 7:04 p.m. game is set for 6:50 p.m. on 730 The Game ESPN Charlotte. The "Voice of the Charlotte Knights" Matt Swierad and long-time Knights radio broadcaster Mike Pacheco will have the call for all of the action.