Turner Terrific, Knights Beat the Bulls 4-1 Saturday in Game Three

(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) - Jacob Turner was strong on Saturday in what was just his fourth start in two seasons.

Turner struck-out seven batters over six innings, Jacob May chipped in with two hits, and the Knights beat the Durham Bulls by a score of 4-1 on Saturday in front of a sold-out crowd of 10,414 fans at BB&T Ballpark. Saturday's sell-out crowd was the third in three games this season at BB&T Ballpark.

Limited to just two appearances last season while in the Chicago Cubs organization due to right shoulder inflammation, Turner (1-0, 1.80) spun a solid outing on Saturday against the Bulls. The 24-year-old right-hander allowed just four hits over six innings en route to his first win since June 14, 2015 with Double-A Tennesee.

Originally drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the first round of the 2009 draft, Turner gave up a one-out triple in the first inning to Jaff Decker. Three batters later, Nick Franklin singled home Decker for the game's first run. He was nearly unhittable after that.

With the Bulls ahead by a score of 1-0 after one inning, starter Adam Wilk (0-1, 4.22) cruised through the first three innings against Charlotte. The left-hander then had his troubles in the fourth frame.

In the bottom of the fourth, Jason Coats started a Charlotte rally by reaching third base on a fielding error by Durham right fielder Richie Shaffer. The Providence High School product dropped a fly ball, which allowed Coats to make his way to third on the fielding error. Coats later scored on a Daniel Fields groundout to tie the game at 1-1.

One inning later, the Knights got back on the scoreboard. Jacob May led the inning off with a single and Tim Anderson followed with a double to give the Knights two runners on base with no outs. Carlos Sanchez then reached base on a fielder's choice, which scored May from third and saw Anderson get caught in a rundown. The Charlotte shortstop was eventually thrown out at home plate on the play for the first out of the inning. Matt Davidson followed with an RBI single, which pushed the Knights lead to 3-1.

In the eighth inning, Coats drove a solo home run over the left field fence to give the Knights a 4-1 lead at that point. The home run was his first of the season.

Charlotte relievers Blake Smith and Tommy Kahnle were sharp in relief of Turner. Smith fanned two batters over two scorless innings, while Kahnle retired the side in order in the ninth for his first save of the season.

The win was Charlotte's first at home this season and second against the Bulls in seven games this season.

The two teams will conclude their series on Sunday with game four of their four-game set. RHP Miguel Gonzalez (0-0, 3.60) will get the start for the Knights against Durham LHP Blake Snell (1-0, 1.86). Pre-game radio coverage begins at 1:50 p.m. on the flagship station for Charlotte Knights baseball, ESPN 730 AM and charlotteknights.com. The "Voice of the Charlotte Knights" Matt Swierad, along with radio broadcaster Mike Pacheco, will have the call for all of the action. The game can also be heard in Spanish with broadcaster Rafael Bastidas.

Sundays are Sunbelt Family Sundays and kids can enjoy a fun day at the ballpark. The Teenange Mutant Ninja Turtles will be on hand to meet and greet fans. First pitch is set for 2:05 p.m. from BB&T Ballpark. After the game, kids can "Run the Bases" courtesy of Academy Sports & Outdoors.