Knights sweep Stripers on Saturday

July 20, 2024 – International League (IL)
Charlotte Knights press release

(LAWRENCEVILLE, GA) – The Charlotte Knights swept Saturday’s doubleheader against the Gwinnett Stripers from Coolray Field in Lawrenceville, GA. Charlotte won game one by a score of 5-4 and took game two by a score of 2-0. The red-hot Knights have now won five straight games and are now 10-8 in the second half of the season.

In Game 1 on Saturday, Charlotte shortstop Colson Montgomery returned to the lineup and hit his 12th home run of the season. Montgomery, who reached base twice in the 2024 MLB All-Star Futures Game last Saturday, went 2-for-3 with the home run and two RBI in Game 1 on Saturday.

Second baseman Lenyn Sosa, who also returned to the lineup, went 3-for-4 with two doubles, two stolen bases and an RBI. Sosa was sent to Charlotte by the Chicago White Sox.

RHP Nick Nastrini started the first game and played no part in the deciding game after allowing four runs (two earned) on seven hits in three innings. RHP Aaron McGarity (6-1, 2.83) earned the win in relief of Nastrini. McGarity, who struck out one batter in the fourth inning, earned his sixth win of the season, the most on the team. RHP Adisyn Coffey earned his fourth save of the season after retiring the game’s final four batters.

The Knights had another strong performance in game two on Saturday, scoring two runs in the seventh inning to advance to the doubleheader sweep. Montgomery led off the inning with a double, designated hitter Wilmer Difo advanced Montgomery to third with a sacrifice bunt, and catcher Carlos Pérez drove in the go-ahead run. The Knights added an insurance run later in the inning on a wild pitch, which Pérez scored from third.

RHP Cory Abbott (4-1, 4.06) earned the win out of the Charlotte bullpen. Abbott struck out four batters in two shutout innings. RHP Josimar Cousin earned his first save of the season after pitching a scoreless seventh inning. RHP Davis Martin started the game and was sharp, allowing just two hits in four shutout innings. The game was delayed 44 minutes by rain.

The Knights close out their three-game road series against the Gwinnett Stripers of Lawrenceville, GA on Sunday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. from Coolray Field, with “Voice of the Charlotte Knights” Matt Swierad calling the game beginning at 1:00 p.m. Sunday.

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