Rondón Leads Knights Past Bulls 2-1 Monday

(DURHAM, NC) -- Shortstop José Rondón launched a go-ahead home run in the top of the eighth inning to propel the Charlotte Knights to a 2-1 win over the Durham Bulls in the opening game of their four-game, three-day series from Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham, NC on Monday. The home run broke a 1-1 tie and led the Knights to their sixth win of the season against the Bulls in nine games.

Rondón, who recently returned to the Knights after his second stint this season with the White Sox, launched his fifth home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to give the club their second come-from-behind victory in as many days. The Knights got an RBI single from Eloy Jiménez in the bottom of the eighth inning on Sunday to beat the Toledo Mud Hens by a score of 5-4.

RHP Michael Kopech -- the top pitching prospect in the Chicago White Sox system -- started for the Knights and was outstanding over six shutout innings. The 22-year-old right-handed pitcher allowed just four hits and two walks on the night. He struck-out nine batters to run up his season total to 97, which is good for second in the International League this season. He threw 95 pitches (63 for strikes) but did not factor in the win. He left the game after the sixth inning with his team ahead by a score of 1-0.

RHP Jeanmar Gómez (4-0, 1.77) earned the win out of the Charlotte bullpen despite allowing a run in the seventh inning. Gomez entered the game with the Knights ahead by a score of 1-0, but allowed a solo home run to former Knights slugger Jason Coats. The homer tied the game at 1-1. One inning later, Rondón put the Knights back on top for good.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, RHP Ian Hamilton shut the door on the Bulls to earn his first career Triple-A save. Hamilton, who was promoted to Charlotte from Double-A Birmingham on Thursday, struck-out two batters in the ninth. He has now fanned five batters over two appearances (2.2 IP) with the Knights this season.

On Tuesday, the Knights will continue the series against the Durham Bulls from Durham, NC. RHP Carson Fulmer will get the nod for the Knights in Tuesday's game. Pre-game radio coverage will begin a 6:50 PM on 730 The Game ESPN Charlotte. The "Voice of the Charlotte Knights" Matt Swierad and long-time Knights broadcaster Mike Pacheco will have the call for the 7:05 p.m. game from Durham, NC.