Knights Fall to Mud Hens 3-2 on Wednesday

(TOLEDO, OH) -- RHP Jordan Stephens was impressive in his Triple-A debut, but the Charlotte Knights fell to the Toledo Mud Hens by a score of 3-2 on Wednesday in game two of their three-game series from Fifth Third Field in Toledo, OH. The Knights battled back to score a run in the top of the ninth inning, but were unable to get past the Mud Hens in the first of two consecutive morning games.

Stephens (0-1, 3.00) allowed two runs in the first inning, but then settled in nicely over his next five frames. Stephens, who was promoted to the Knights from Double-A Birmingham on Sunday, May 13, did not allow a run over his final five innings of the day. Ranked as the number 16 prospect in the Chicago White Sox organization by Baseball America, Stephens gave up six hits and struck out five in his first career Triple-A start. He threw 83 pitches (60 for strikes) and did not allow a walk.

Down by a score of 2-0, the Knights rallied late and scored their first run of the game in the top of the eighth inning. Center fielder Jacob May doubled home second baseman Juan Perez for the team's first run of the day. In the bottom of the eighth inning, the 'Hens added an insurance run against RHP Thyago Vieira , which gave them a 3-1 lead at that point.

In the top of the ninth inning with the Knights down by two runs, the team rallied against the Toledo bullpen. Designated hitter Matt Skole led the inning off with a single and later came around to score on an RBI single by pinch hitter Kevan Smith against reliever Victor Alcántara. After a pitching change with two outs in the inning, Toledo RHP Kevin Comer got Perez to strike out swinging to end the game.

The Knights will now conclude their three-game series against the Mud Hens on Thursday morning. Pre-game radio coverage of Thursday's 10:35 a.m. morning game will begin at 10:20 a.m. on 730 The Game ESPN Charlotte and CharlotteKnights.com. The "Voice of the Charlotte Knights" Matt Swierad will have the call for all of the action.