Knights Drop Thursday’s Game to Stripers, 2-1

(LAWRENCEVILLE, GA) – The Charlotte Knights brought the tying run to second base in the top of the ninth inning, but ultimately fell to the Gwinnett Stripers by a score of 2-1 on Thursday night in game three of the six-game road series from Coolray Field in Lawrenceville, GA. Charlotte put two runners on base in the ninth, but Gwinnett reliever Jimmy Herget got Wilmer Difo down on strikes to end the game.

RHP Nick Nastrini was sharp for the Knights in Thursday’s game. Nastrini allowed just one run on three hits over 6.2 innings pitched. A member of the Chicago White Sox 40-man roster, Nastrini walked just one batter and fanned six on the night. His only blemish was a solo home run to J.P. Martínez in the first inning.

With the Stripers ahead by a score of 1-0, the Knights battled back to tie the game in the top of the seventh inning thanks to a solo home run from Angelo Castellano, his second home run in as many days. The home run was his fourth of the season and it was Charlotte’s only run of the game.

Gwinnett took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the eighth inning on an RBI single by David Fletcher. Charlotte RHP Justin Anderson (1-2, 3.00) was charged with the loss after he allowed the RBI single to Fletcher.

In all, the Knights outhit the Stripers in Thursday’s game, 7-5. Designated hitter Carlos Pérez had two hits on the night for the Knights, who have now dropped two of three games in the series so far.

The two teams will continue the six-game road series on Friday night from Coolray Field in Lawrenceville, GA. The “Voice of the Charlotte Knights” Matt Swierad will have the call on www.CharlotteKnights.com beginning at 7:00 p.m. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. from the home of the Stripers.