Kopech, Knights Beat the Bats 9-4 in Thursday's Opener

(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) -- RHP Michael Kopech struck-out nine batters over six solid innings, and the Charlotte Knights pounded out five home runs in a commanding 9-4 win over the Louisville Bats on Thursday night in the opening game of their four-game series from BB&T Ballpark in Uptown Charlotte. The five-homer game was a season-best for the Knights.

Kopech (7-7, 3.70) allowed just one run on seven hits over his six impressive innings to earn his third-straight victory. The 22-year-old hurler also struck-out nine batters for a third consecutive start. He improved to 7-7 on the season and now leads all of Minor League Baseball in strikeouts with 170 in 2018. It was also his third-straight start without allowing a walk.

Since June 20, Kopech -- the top pitching prospect in the Chicago White Sox organization -- has posted a 5-2 record with a 2.25 ERA in 64 innings pitched with 88 strikeouts. His 2.25 ERA is the fourth-best mark in the league over that span, while the 88 strikeouts are the most.

Offensively, the Knights broke out the bats against the Bats on Thursday night. The team combined to launch four home runs in a six-run fourth inning. First baseman Matt Skole , shortstop José Rondόn, right fielder Trayce Thompson , and second baseman Eddy Alvarez all homered in the inning. Four innings later, third baseman Patrick Leonard launched a two-run home run.

The Knights will continue their seven-game homestand on Friday afternoon at BB&T Ballpark and host the Louisville Bats (Triple-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds) in game two of their four-game series. Pre-game radio coverage of Friday's 12:05 p.m. game is set for 11:50 a.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.