Knights Fall to RailRiders 10-5 on Saturday

(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) -- RHP Michael Kopech tossed six solid innings, but the Charlotte Knights dropped game three of their four-game series to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders by a score of 10-5 on Saturday from BB&T Ballpark in Uptown Charlotte. The Knights welcomed 10,587 fans through the gates for their third sell-out crowd of the season.

Kopech allowed one run on five hits over six innings and left with the lead. Kopech, who is ranked as the number two prospect in Chicago's system, walked two batters and struck-out three in his second start of the season. The hard-throwing right-hander threw 88 total pitches on the night, but did not factor in the decision. He is 0-0 with a 0.90 ERA so far in 2018.

Charlotte right fielder Daniel Palka homered for the third consecutive night. His first-inning, solo home run, was one of the team's six hits on the evening. Center fielder Ryan Cordell went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBIs. The Knights scored all five of their runs over the first four innings of the game.

RHP Robbie Ross Jr., who came on to begin the seventh inning in relief of Kopech, allowed four runs on two hits. RHP Juan Minaya (0-1, 9.64) was saddled with the loss after he gave up four runs on three hits over 1.2 innings of work. In all, three Charlotte relievers combined to allow nine of Scranton/Wilkes-Barre's runs.

The Knights will conclude their four-game series from BB&T Ballpark in Uptown Charlotte on Sunday against the RailRiders. Gates will open at 1:00 p.m. for the 2:05 p.m. game. Fans in attendance will have a chance to meet a number of recognizable mascots, who will be on hand to help celebrate Homer The Dragon's Birthday.

Pre-game radio coverage will begin at 1:50 p.m. on 730 The Game ESPN Charlotte and CharlotteKnights.com. The game will also be broadcast on NBC Sports Chicago. The "Voice of the Charlotte Knights" Matt Swierad, along with Mike Pacheco, and Jeff McCarragher will have the call for all of the action. Fans can also listen to the game in Spanish on Latina 102.3 FM. Broadcasters Rafael Bastidas and Ernesto Hurtado will have the call.