Knights Fall Short, Drop Game Two to Indians 6-5

(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) -- Down by a score of 6-2 -- and a three-game win-streak on-the-line -- the Charlotte Knights battled back in the bottom of the ninth inning and came within one run of tying the game.

Cody Asche and Roberto Peña hit back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the ninth, but the Charlotte Knights ultimately fell to the Indianapolis Indians by a score of 6-5 on Saturday in game two of their three-game series from BB&T Ballpark in Uptown Charlotte. The Knights scored a total of three runs in the ninth.

After Danny Hayes lined out for the first out of the ninth, Asche roped his sixth home run of the season to pull the Knights to within three runs (6-3). Pena then followed with his first home run of the season, which made it a 6-4 Indianapolis lead at that point. After an Everth Cabrera walk, the Indians went to the bullpen and called on Dovydas Neverauskas to get two important outs.

The Knights continued to battle back, however, and eventually loaded the bases. Nicky Delmonico then drew a bases-loaded walk, which made it a 6-5 game at that point. With the tying run now on third base and the winning run on second base, Jacob May struck-out swinging to end the threat and the game. The loss snapped Charlotte's three-game win-streak. Neverauskas earned his sixth save of the season.

Chicago White Sox LHP Carlos Rodón (0-2, 6.75) made his second rehab start of the season on Saturday and pitched into the sixth inning. The former N.C. State standout allowed three runs on seven hits over 5.2 innings pitched and was charged with the loss. Rodon, who is currently on Chicago's 60-day disabled list, threw 89 total pitches (56 for strikes).

Indianapolis LHP Steven Brault (5-3, 2.18) earned the win in the middle game of the series. Brault allowed two runs on five hits over six innings.

For the second consecutive night, the Charlotte Knights welcomed a sell-out crowd. Saturday's total of 10,487 fans was the team's 12^th sell-out of the 2017 season and 99^th regular season sell-out crowd in BB&T Ballpark history.

The Knights will conclude their three-game series against the Indianapolis Indians (Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates) on Sunday with the rubber game of the series. First pitch is on tap for 2:05 p.m. from BB&T Ballpark. RHP Reynaldo López (5-3, 3.82) will get the start for the Knights against Indianapolis RHP Tyler Eppler (5-2, 3.22).

Pre-game radio coverage will begin at 1:50 p.m. on ESPN Charlotte (730 AM) and CharlotteKnights.com. Long-time radio broadcaster Mike Pacheco will have the call for all of the action on the team's flagship station. The game can also be heard in Spanish on 102.3 FM with broadcasters Rafael Bastidas and Ernesto Hurtado. Fans can watch the game on Comcast SportsNet Chicago. The "Voice of the Charlotte Knights" Matt Swierad and Loren Hibbs will have the call beginning at 2:00 p.m.