Knights Power Past G-Braves 12-5 Sunday

(LAWRENCEVILLE, GA) -- The Charlotte Knights concluded their eight-game road trip with a commanding 12-5 win over the Gwinnett Braves on Sunday from Coolray Field in Lawrenceville, GA. The win was Charlotte's second straight. The Knights wrapped up the eight-game road series with a 4-4 record.

The Knights were led by two big offensive innings in Sunday's finale. Down by a score of 4-0, the Knights scored six runs in the top of the fifth inning against Gwinnet starter Aaron Blair (7-8, 5.06), who was saddled with the loss. The inning began with back-to-back doubles from Casey Gillaspie and Ronald Bueno. Gillaspie finished the day with a team-high three hits.

One of the highlights in the six-run fifth inning took place when the speedy Jacob May stole home on a double-steal. Cody Asche, who had a two-run single in the inning, stole second base, while May swiped his team-leading 29^th stolen base. May had two steals in the game and is currently second in the International League this season.

The Charlotte offense broke-out the bats again in the eighth inning and tacked on five more runs against the Gwinnett Braves. Jake Peter had a three-run double in the inning. It was another big day at the plate for Peter, who went 1-for-5 with two runs scored, a double, and three RBIs. Peter is currently batting .301 on the season with the Knights.

RHP Steve Johnson (2-3, 5.70) earned the win for the Knights -- his first since joining the team from Norfolk. Johnson, a native of Baltimore, MD, allowed four runs on five hits over five innings. Relievers Connor Walsh and Matt Purke tossed a scoreless inning apiece. Purke currently leads the International League with 12 holds.

The Knights will now head home to BB&T Ballpark to open their final homestand of the season. The eight-game slate kicks-off with a four-game series against the Durham Bulls on Monday from Uptown Charlotte. First pitch on Monday is on tap for 7:05 p.m. and gates will open at 6:00 p.m. Fans can enjoy the final Bark in the Ballpark game presented by Dingo. Dogs are welcome to join their human companions for the game.

Pre-game radio coverage of Monday's opener will begin at 6:50 p.m. on ESPN Charlotte (730 AM) and CharlotteKnights.com. The "Voice of the Charlotte Knights" Matt Swierad and long-time Charlotte Knights broadcaster Mike Pacheco will have the call for all of the action.