Charlotte Knights Expansion Franchise (2023)

[TribeTown]

MLB announced the expansion of two teams to begin play in 2023. Franchises were awarded to Charlotte and Portland. In addition, MLB announced that the Oakland A's will relocate to.Los Vegas and the Tampa Bay Rays will relocate to Nashville (to be renamed the Nashville Stars).

Once the new teams begin play, MLB will realign into four AL and NL divisions, to look like this:

AL East: Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, NY Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays
AL North: Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Guardians, Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins
AL South: Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, Nashville Stars, Texas Rangers
AL West: LA Angels, Los Vegas Athletics, Portland Mavericks, Seattle Mariners

NL East: NY Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Washington Nationals
NL North: Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Milwaukee Brewers
NL South: Atlanta Braves, Charlotte Knights, Miami Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals
NL West: Arizona Diamondbacks, LA Dodgers, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants

I will be playing as they GM/Manager of the Charlotte Knights. The Knights will play at 45,200 Knights Field, an expanded version of their AAA ballpark. It is generally a neutral ballpark, perhaps slightly favoring hitters (1.022 average).

Notable Acquisitions & Transactions

July 3, 2022 – Charlotte made what they hope will be an impact move, signing International FA Rodolfo Mendoza. The 17 year old Dominican 3B has a compact swing, impact-type power, and above average speed.

July 11, 2022 – The Knights drafted 3B Cam Collier #1 overall. He projects to be an elite hitter with plus power. Other players drafted include 2B Thomas Gavello (2nd round), SP Walter Ford (3rd round), SP J. T. Quinn (5th round), and SP Sebastian Perez (7th round) – all projected to be solid major league prospects or better.

July 16, 2022 – The Knights made their 1st major trade, sending AAA pitchers Kevin Shackelford & Aaron Brown to Miami in exchange for.prospect Peyton Burdick. The Knights also acquired 2B prospect Samad Taylor in exchange for AAA pitcher Jhoulys Chacin.

November 17 – Expansion Draft

With the #1 pick, Charlotte chose San Francisco Giants OF Austin Dean.

The Knights drafted the following players (former team/pick in the draft)
SP – Carlos Luna (TB/#60)
RP – Austin Adams (BOS/#16), Jorge Alcala (MIN/#48), Joe Barlow (TEX/#13), Kevin Castro (SF/#32), Kutter Crawford (BOS/#4), A. J. Puk (OAK/#49), Vince Velasquez (ATL/#33)
C – Eliezer Alfonzo (DET/#40), Aramis Garcia (CIN/#17), Blake Hunt (TB/#65), Connor Wong (BOS/#5)
INF – Bryson Brigham (MIA/#9), Lewin Diaz (MIA/#8), Brandon Drury (CIN/#20), Matt Thaiss (LAA/#36), Cole Tucker (PIT/#21)
OF – Micker Adolfo (ATL/#25), Travis Blankenhorn (NYM/#24), Yonathan Daza (COL/#57), Austin Dean (SF/#1), Travis Demeritte (ATL/#29), Stuart Fairchild (CIN/#45), Clint Frazier (CHC/#37), Ryan Noda (LAD/#41), Harold Ramirez (TB/#56), Henry Ramos (TEX/#44), Danny Santana (HOU/#52), Canaan Smith-Njiba (PIT/#64)

December 16, 2022 – Cleveland contacted the Knights front office, offering INF Owen Miller in trade. The final deal was for Miller in exchange for Tyler Saladino, Drew Hill, and Abel Mercedes.

December 17, 2022 – Signed SP Danny Duffy (1/$2,400,000)

December 21, 2022 – RULE 5 DRAFT – Drafted Texas SS Ezequiel Duran in the 1st round and Cleveland 1B Jhonkensey Noel in the 2nd round. (Reluctantly returned Duran to Texas at the end of spring training.)

December 31, 2022 – Signed SP John Means (1/$1,400,000)

January 1, 2023 – Signed OF Mike Gerber (1/$2,800,000) & SP Mike Clevinger (3/$27,000,000).

February 1, 2023 – Signed SS Jose Iglesias (1/$3,600,000), OF Anthony Santander (1/$1,900,000), and – the big acquisition – signed SP Sean Manaea (7/$61,000,000).

February 9, 2023 – Signed OF Kole Calhoun (1/$2,600,000)

February 26, 2023 – Signed INF Adam Frazier (1/$5,500,000).

Signed C Wilson Ramos, INF Ji-Hwan Bae, OF Austin Hendrick, & 1B Teriyaki Yamaoka (International FA) to minor league contracts.

The strategy has been to sign multiple players to 1 year contracts who can fill the major league lineup and rotation for 1 year while we continue to build the farm.system and develop younger players for (hopefully) sustained success at the big league level by 2025. Some of these players may be re-signed for 2024 and beyond, but most of them are likely to be flipped before the trade deadline for prospects. The only long-term commitments among the signings are to Clevinger and Manaea, who signed multi-year contracts.

Young players Noel, Wong, Miller, and Hendrick will have a chance to show what they can do and to see if they will be part of the long term core.

OPENING DAY ROSTER
SP (5) – Mike Clevinger, Sean Manaea, Danny Duffy, John Means, Shawn Durbin
RP (8) – A. J. Puk, Kervin Castro, Jorge Alcala, Joe Barlow, Austin Adams, Kutter Crawford, Vince Velazquez, Carlos Luna
C (2) – Wilson Ramos, Conner Wong
INF (6) – Jhonkensey Noel, Adam Frazier, Jose Iglesias, Cole Tucker, Brandon Drury, Owen Miller
OF (5) – Mike Gerber, Stuart Fairchild, Kole Calhoun, Anthony Santander, Austin Hendrick
IL– Danny Santana, Tommy Milone, Aramis Garcia

Charlotte's farm system is ranked #3, with Rodolfo Mendoza the #2 overall prospect. P Arturo Neyra (scouting discovery) is ranked #6 and Cam Collier is ranked #19

YOUR 2023 CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS
Team picture taken April 15th

[TribeTown]

The Charlotte Knights opened their inaugural season at home vs. the San Francisco Giants. Pitching matchups for the series:

Logan Webb (0-0) vs. Mike Clevinger (0-0)
Anthony DeSclafani (0-0) vs. Sean Manaea (0-0)
Gregory Santos (0-0) vs. Danny Duffy (0-0)

Game #1 – March 30 -- Knights Field

Mike Clevinger took the hill in the 1st game in franchise history and retired the side in order to start the game. Giants 1B Darin Ruf had 1st hit, a 2nd inning leadoff single.

The Knights scored first in the 2nd inning on 2 walks and an error by Giants CF Steven Duggar, who misplayed a fly ball. Mike Gerber had Charlotte's 1st hit, an RBI double in the 3rd.

Mike Yastrzemski hit a 2-run home run to tie it in the 4th.

Stuart Fairchild recorded the franchise's 1st stolen base in the bottom of the 4th.

Clevinger was removed after 5 innings and reaching 98 pitches. He made a mistake to Yastrzemski but otherwise pitched well, allowing 2 runs. He struck out 11. Kutter Crawford relieved him and retired the side in order with the help of a nice leaping catch by CF Stuart Fairchild on the warning track in center.

Kole Calhoun took Logan Webb deep to RF leading off in the bottom.of the 6th for the 1st home run in Knights history, giving Charlotte a 3-2 lead.

Joe Barlow relieved Crawford to start the 7th. Joey Bart greeted Barlow with a HR to right to tie the game. Barlow retired La Stella but hit Austin Slater with a pitch. Xander Boegarts followed with a single through the middle, sending Slater to 3rd. That prompted the 1st mound visit in Knights history. Lamonte Wade Jr singled to score Slater, giving San Francisco the lead. Barlow struck out Ruf and Yastremski to end the inning.

Kai-Wei Teng relieved Webb in the bottom of the 7th. Mauricio Llovwra retired all 3 batters he faced in the 9th to end the game.

Final Score: San Francisco 4, Charlotte 3
WP: L. Webb (1-0)
LP: J. Barlow (0-1)
SV: M. Llovera (1)
Record: 0-1
Player of the Game: Logan Webb

[TribeTown]

Game #2 – Knights Field – March 31

Sean Manaea made the start for the Knights. Charlotte turned their 1st double play, 5-4-3 (Tucker, Drury, Noel), in the 1st inning.

The Knights took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st when Jhonkensey Noel doubled into the LF corner with 2 outs, Mike Gerber followed with a single, and Anthony Santander hit a 371 foot home run to right.

Cole Tucker was hit by a pitch leading off the bottom of the 3rd and had to leave the game. After Jose Iglesias pinch ran for Tucker, Brandon Drury doubled down the LF line, scoring Iglesias and making it a 4-0 game.

Austin Slater's 2-run HR to left-center in the 5th made it 4-2. Manaea retired the next 3 batters to get out of the inning. Iglesias led off the bottom of the inning with a single, and after Anthony DeScalfani retired Drury, Noel unloaded a 425-foot home run to dead center. Jarlin Garcia relieved DiSclafani and retired the next 2 batters to get out of the inning.

Jason Vosler's 2-out double in the 6th ended Manaea's day. Manaea went 5.2 innings, allowing 8 hits and striking out 4. Carlos Luna relieved.

Austin Hendrick led off the bottom of the 6th with a solo home run to left center.

Luna retired 9 men in a row before tiring in the 9th. Brandon Crawford and Steven Duggar hit back-to-back singles, and Slater followed with a 3-run shot (his 2nd home run of the game) to left to make it 7-5. A. J. Puk relieved and struck out Lamonte Wade to end the game.

Final Score: Charlotte 7, San Francisco 5
WP: S. Manaea (1-0)
LP: A. DeSclafani (0-1)
SV A. Puk (1)
Record: 1-1
Player of the Game: Austin Slater

News: Atlanta signed reliever Daniel Hudson (1/$8,800,000)

[TribeTown]

Game #3 – April 1 – Knights Field

Anthony Santander's 2nd home run of the season, a 366 solo shot to RF, gave the Knights an early 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning.

Lamont Wade Jr. took Danny Duffy deep in the 3rd to tie it. Duffy then walked Zander Boegaerts, Darin Ruf, and Mike Yastrzemski to load the bases, and Joey Bart mashed a 363-foot grand slam down the LF line to give the Giants a 5-1 lead.

Brandon Crawford homered in the 5th (off of Vince Velazquez, who had relieved Duffy) to make it a 6-1 game.

Adam Frazier doubled home 2 runs with 2 outs in the bottom of 5th.

Darin Ruf homered to left to make it 8-3. The Giants added another run of Kutter Crawford in the 7th. Kervin Castro gave up 2 more runs in the 8th.

Jake Odorizzi pitched a complete game for the Giants (107 pitches).

Final Score: San Francisco 11, Charlotte 3
WP: J. Odorizzi (1-0)
LP: Danny Duffy (0-1)
Record: 1-2
Player of the Game: Jake Odorizzi

TRANSACTION: The Knights claimed OF Ryan McKenna off waivers from Baltimore. Optioned OF Austin Hendrick to AAA.

News: Free agent C Willson Contreras signed with Pittsburgh (1/$2,920,000).

[TribeTown]

The Knights traveled to Miami for a series against the division rival Marlins. Pitching matchups for the series:

John Means (0-0) vs. Sixto Sanchez (0-0)
Shawn Dubin (0-0) vs. Max Meyer (0-0)
Mike Clevinger (0-0, 3.60) vs. Trevor Rogers (1-0, 0.00)

Game #4 – April 2 – loanDepot Park

The Knights drew first blood. Owen Miller led the game off with a double off of Sixto Sanchez, went to 3rd on Brandon Drury's groundout, and scored on Jhonkensy Noel's single. The Marlins tied it in the bottom of the inning.

Brandon Drury doubled home 2 runs in the 5th as Charlotte took a 3-1 lead. Ryan McKenna capped his Knights debut with a 394 foot home run to left to make the score 4-2. McKenna went 3-4 for the game.

Meanwhile, John Means pitched 6 effective innings, bobbing and weaving his way through the Marlins lineup. He allowed 2 runs before giving way to Austin Adams in the 7th. Adams, Kervin Castro, and Joe Barlow combined to pitch 3 shutout innings, with Barlow earning his 1st save.

Final Score: Charlotte 4, Miami 2
WP: J. Means (1-0)
LP: S. Sanchez (0-1)
SV: J. Barlow (1)
Record: 2-2
Player of the Game: Ryan McKenna

[TribeTown]

TRANSACTION: Claimed Logan Allen off waivers from Cleveland. DFA'd Yonathan Daza. Optioned Carlos Luna to AAA. Placed Allen on the active roster

[TribeTown]

Game #5 – April 3 – loanDepot Park

Jesus Sanchez hit a home run to RF to lead off the 2nd inning, giving the Marlins the early lead. Avisail Garcia homered in the 4th to make it 2-0. Charlotte got a run back in the 5th. Stuart Fairchild singled, stole 2nd, went to 3rd on a Jose Iglesias ground out, and scored on Owen Miller's double.

Shawn Dubin pitched well in his 1st major league start (he made 7 relief appearances for Houston last year). He went 5 innings and allowed 2 runs on 4 hits. He struck out 4 and walked 3. Newly acquired Logan Allen relieved him in the 6th.

Jose Iglesias smashed a 1-out double to the left-centerfield wall in the 7th. After Jose DeLeon struck out Owen Miller, Brandon Drury singled to score Iglesias and tie the game at 2.

Erik Gonzalez doubled off of Allen with one out in the bottom of the 7th and advanced to 3rd on a wild pitch. Allen came back to strike out Brad Miller after an 8 pitch at bat. Brian Anderson greeted reliever Joe Barlow with a single over Iglesias' head to give the Marlins a 3-2 lead.

Pinch hitter Jhonkensey Noel led off the 9th with a single, advanced to 2nd on a wild pitch, and went to 3rd on Brandon Drury's 2-out single. Andrew Nardi struck out Adam Frazier to end the game.

Final Score: Miami 3, Charlotte 2
WP: T. Scott (1-0)
LP: L. Allen (0-1)
SV: A. Nardi (1)
Record: 2-3
Player of the Game: Max Meyer

[TribeTown]

Game #6 – April 4 – loanDepot Park

The Marlins took a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning, but Jhonkensey Noel tied it with an RBI single in the top of the 3rd. Miami retook the lead in the bottom of the inning when Jazz Chisholm singled with 2 outs, stole second, and scored on an Adam Duvall base hit.

Jose Iglesias singled to tie the game at 2 in the top of the 4th. Owen Miller followed with a double into the right-centerfield gap, scoring 2 runs to give Charlotte a 4-2 lead. Brandon Drury singled home Miller to drive Nate Pearson from the game. Touki Toussaint retired Noel to end the inning.

The Marlins got a run back in the bottom of the 4th, but Mike Clevinger retired the last 7 men he faced before giving way to Kutter Crawford in the 7th.

Owen Miller blasted his 1st HR of the season, a 420 foot shot to LF, to make it a 6-3 game. Adam Duvall hit a 9th inning home run off of A. J. Puk, but Puk retired the side for his 2nd save.

Final Score: Charlotte 6, Miami 4
WP: M. Clevinger (1-0)
LP: N. Pearson (0-1)
SV: A. Puk (2)
Record: 3-3
Player of the Game: Owen Miller

News: Pittsburgh SP Quinn Priester will miss the rest of the season with a stretched elbow ligament.

The Cubs signed FA reliever Edwin Diaz (1/$17,000,000)

[TribeTown]

The Knights return home to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. Here are the pitching matchups for the series:

Max Kranick (0-0, 3.86) vs. Sean Manaea (1-0, 3.18)
Bryse Wilson (0-0, 3.38) vs. Danny Duffy (0-1, 11.25)
Mitch Keller (0-0, 4.76) vs. John Means (1-0, 3.00)

Game #7 – April 5 – Knights Field

Pirates DH Matthew Frazier hit a 2-out double to the wall just to the right of center to give Pittsburgh a 1-0 lead in the 4th. Meanwhile Max Kranick held the Pirates hitless until Adam Frazier doubled to leadoff the bottom of the 4th. Ryan McKenna singled Frazier home to tie the game. Pittsburgh retook the lead in the 6th on a Sean Manaea wild pitch.

The Knights loaded the bases with 2 outs in the 7th, but Luis Oveido struck out Adam Frazier to end the threat. Hyo-Jun Park gave the Pirates some insurance with a 399 foot HR to right-centerfield in the top of the 9th.

The Knights managed just 4 hits.

Final Score: Pittsburgh 4, Charlotte 1
WP: M. Kranick (1-0)
LP: S. Manaea (1-1)
SV: D. Bednar (3)
Record: 2-3
Player of the Game: Max Kranick

[TribeTown]

Game #8 – April 6 – Knights Field

The Pirates took a 1-0 lead in the 1st, but the Knights tied it in the bottom of the inning when Jhonkensey Noel reached base with 2 outs on a Liover Peguero error followed by consecutive singles by Kole Calhoun and Adam Frazier. Charlotte took a 2-1 lead in the 4th when Frazier reached base on an error, advanced to second on a fielder's choice, and scored on a Colten Wong single.

Danny Duffy pitched 5 solid innings, but did not come back out to pitch the 6th due to back spasms. Austin Adams relieved. The Pirates loaded the bases, but Adams retired Hyo-Jun Park on a sharp liner that was fortunately hit right at CF Stuart Fairchild. Pittsburgh had 2 baserunners in the 7th against Jorge Alcala, but Alcala was also able to escape the jam. The Pirates had another chance in the 8th, with 2 men on against Kervin Castro. Peguero flied out to deep right to end the threat.

Charlotte added insurance runs in the bottom of the 8th. Noel led off with a single. Pinch runner Cole Ticker stole 2nd and scored on a 2-out RBI single by Ryan McKenna. Conner Wong followed with a double to the wall, scoring McKenna. A. J. Puk pitched the 9th for his 3rd save.

Final Score: Charlotte 4, Pittsburgh 1
WP: D. Duffy (1-1)
LP: B. Wilson (0-1)
SV: A. Puk (3)
Record: 4-4
Player of the Game: Danny Duffy

[TribeTown]

Game #9 – April 7 – Knights Field

Oneil Cruz took John Means deep in the top of the 1st to give Pittsburgh a 1-0 lead. Owen Miller put the Knights ahead when he connected for his 2nd HR of the season, a 2-run shot in the bottom of the 3rd. The Pirates tied it up on Ke'Bryan Hayes' 1st home run of the season in the 4th.

Cole Tucker led off the bottom of rhe 6th with his 1st hit of the year, a double off the top of the CF wall. He advanced to 3rd on a fielder's choice and, after Adam Frazier was intentionally walked, scored on Jhonkensey Noel's sacrifice fly.

Logan Allen relieved Means to start the 7th. Willson Contreras singled and Trey Mancini drew a walk. Contreras went to 3rd on a deep fly ball to RF by Hayes. Matthew Frazier hit a ground ball to 2B Adam Frazier, but the Knights couldn't turn the double play and the game was tied once again. Joe Barlow relieved Allen and got out of the inning.

Mike Gerber singled with 1 out in the 7th. After Conner Wong was retired, Stuart Fairchild beat out and infield hit. Brandon Drury pinch hit for Tucker and delivered a sharp single to center to give the Knights a 4-3 lead. Kutter Crawford retired the side in order in the 8th. After Adam Frazier's 1st HR of the season gave Charlotte an insurance run, A. J. Puk pitched a 1-2-3 9th to record his 4th save. Anthony Santander made a spectacular diving catch to rob Hayes to end the game.

Final Score: Charlotte 5, Pittsburgh 3
WP: J. Barlow (1-1)
LP: L. Oviedo (0-1)
SV: A. Puk (4)
Record: 5-4
Player of the Game: John Means

TRANSACTION: Sent Danny Santana to AAA for injury rehab.

[TribeTown]

The Knights travel to the west coast to take on the Dodgers. The pitching matchups are:
Shawn Dubin (0-0, 3.60) vs. Andre Jackson (1-0, 0.00)
Mike Clevinger (1-0, 4.09) vs. Walker Buehler (1-1, 4.35)
Sean Manaea (1-1, 3.09) vs. Clayton Kershaw (2-0, 4.35)

Game #10 – April 8 – Dodger Stadium

Shawn Dublin and Andre Jackson matched zeroes until Dubin walked two batters and Carlos Correa hit a 417 home run in the bottom of the 4th inning to give the Dodgers a 3-0 lead. Andy Pages added a solo shot in the 5th and Cody Bellinger added another home run later in the inning.

The Knights got on the board when Adam Frazier doubled home a run in the top of the 8th. Owen Miller followed with an RBI single, scoring Frazier. Any chance of a comeback was derailed when Carlos Correa doubled home 2 runs in the bottom of the inning. The Dodgers ended up scoring 5 runs in the 8th.

Score: LA Dodgers 10, Charlotte 2
WP: A. Jackson (2-0)
LP: S. Dubin (0-1)
Record: 5-5
Player of the Game: Carlos Correa

[pauwoo]

Just dropping in to let you know that I quite enjoy this (and your Pittsburgh rebuild as well).

[TribeTown]

Thank you! I appreciate that. I have enjoyed reading about the Leopards too.

[TribeTown]

Game #11 – April 9 – Dodger Stadium

After Mike Clevinger retired the first 2 batters, Max Muncy reached base on a Brandon Drury error, Trea Turner singled, and Freddie Freeman drew a walk. Cody Bellinger followed with a bases-clearing double to give the Dodgers a 3-0 lead.

The Knights got a run back when Jhonkensey Noel unleashed a solo bomb to center in the 3rd.

The Dodgers scored twice in the 8th (the 2nd run scoring on a Cole Calhoun throwing error) to take a 5-1 lead. Noel picked up his 2nd RBI of the game in the 9th when he was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

Charlotte's defense was abysmal and 4 of the Dodgers' 5 runs were unearned.

Final Score: LA Dodgers 5, Charlotte 2
WP: W. Buehler (2-1)
LP: M. Clevinger (1-1)
SV: B. Graterol (4)
Record: 5-6
Player of the Game: Walker Buehler

TRANSACTION: Claimed P Ricky Devito off waivers from Pittsburgh (The Pirates originally acquired Devito along with Bryse Wilson In.the Rich Rodriguez trade with Atlanta.)

[TribeTown]

Game #12 – April 10 – Dodger Stadium

Trea Turner's 1st inning HR gave the Dodgers the warly lead. Charlotte tied it in the 2nd when Adam Frazier doubled, Anthony Santander singled, and Connor Wong hit a sacrifice fly to the deepest part of the ballpark.

Clayton Kershaw left the game in the 4th with an injury.

Mookie Betts unloaded a 405 foot, 2-run HR to left in the bottom of the 4th to give the Dodgers a 3-1 lead. Except for his mistake to Betts, Sean Manaea pitched well, striking out 8 batters in 8 innings of work.

The Knights loaded the bases in the 9th against Brusdar Graterol. Owen Miller reached base on an error by the SS and after Jose Iglesias grounded out to short, Jhonkensey Noel drew a walk and Adam Frazier was hit by a pitch. Frazier had to leave the game, and Kole Calhoun pinch ran for him. Gaterol got Anthony Santander to hit into a 4-6-3 double play to end the game.

Charlotte managed just 3 hits for the game.

Final Score: LA Dodgers 3, Charlotte 1
WP: T. Gonsolin (1-0)
LP: S.Manaea (1-2)
SV: B. Gaterol (5)
Record: 5-7
Player of the Game: Sean Manaea

TRANSACTION: Optioned OF Stuart Fairchild to AAA and DFA'd Cole Tucker. Activated OF Danny Santana from rehab assignment and placed Ricky Divito on the active roster.

News: San Diego signed free agent RP Giovanny Gallegos for $15,400,000

[TribeTown]

April 11 – Off Day

The Knights return home to host the division rival Atlanta Braves. On paper this is jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire as Atlanta is projected to be the best team in the division, but on the field the Braves are off to a rough start. The pitching matchups are:

Mike Soroka (0-2, 15.95) vs. Danny Duffy (1-1, 6.00)
Zach Eflin (0-0, 0.00) vs. John Means (1-0, 3.00)
Ian Anderson (1-0, 2.45) vs. Shawn Dubin (0-1, 6.52)

Game #13 – April 12– Knights Field

William Contreras took Danny Duffy deep in the top of the 2nd to give the Braves an early 3-0 lead. Other than that, Duffy pitched well. He went 6 innings, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits while striking out 8 and walking 2.

Meanwhile, Mike Soroka was mowing down Knights batters until Jhonkensey Noel doubled with 2 out in the bottom of the 6th. Kole Calhoun followed with a single to score Noel and make it a 3-1 game. Brandon Drury then took a 1-1 pitch and deposited it 381 feet into the right-centerfield stands to tie the game. It was Drury's 1st HR of the season.

Jose Iglesias doubled into the RF corner with 1 out in the 7th. Ryan McKenna followed with an RBI single to give Charlotte the lead. Kutter Crawford, Kervin Castro, and A. J. Puk each pitched a scoreless inning to secure the come-from-behind win.

Final Score: Charlotte 4, Atlanta 3
WP: K. Crawford (1-0)
LP: K. Yates (0-1)
SV: A. Puk (5)
Record: 6-7
Player of the Game: Danny Duffy

[TribeTown]

Game #14 – April 13 – Knights Field

The Knights drew 1st blood when Danny Santana drew a bases loaded walk in the bottom of the 1st. Atlanta tied it in the 3rd when Matt Olson doubled, Austin Riley singled, and Olson scored on a 6-4-3 double play by Dansby Swanson. Wilson Ramos smashed his 1st HR of the year to give Charlotte the 2-1 lead in the 6th.

John Means was simply outstanding. He pitched 7 innings, allowing 3 hits, striking out 7, and walking 0 as he improved to 2-0. A. J. Puk pitched the 9th to earn his 6th save.

After the game, the Knights claimed Miami pitcher Braxton Garrett off waivers. Garrett will join the Charlotte rotation. The Knights DFA'd Bryson Brigham and optioned Shawn Dubin to AAA to open a roster spot for Garrett.

Final Score: Charlotte 2, Atlanta 1
WP: J. Means (2-0)
LP: T. Kahnle (1-1)
SV: A. Puk (6)
Record: 7-7
Player of the Game: John Means

News: Baltimore star Gunnar Henderson will miss 6 weeks with a strained groin muscle. Adley Rutchman extended his hitting streak to 20 games.

[TribeTown]

Game #15 – April 14 – Knights Field

Vince Velasquez got the spot start as Charlotte looked to complete a sweep against Ian Anderson and the Braves. Eddie Rosario got Atlanta off to a good start with a 388 foot bomb to left with 1 out in the 2nd inning. Rosario added an RBI single in the 4th, and Chadwick Tromp hit a grand slam later in the inning to make it a 6-0 game. Velasquez did strike out 9 batters in his 4 innings of work, but his inability to keep the ball in the park has been a real problem so far this year.

The Knights responded by plating 3 runs in the bottom of the 4th, courtesy of a Colten Wong round-tripper to right.

Ricky Devito made his Charlotte debut, relieving Velasquez to start the 5th. Devito pitched 3 shutout innings. Joe Barlow's season-long (so far) difficulties continued when Austin Riley greeted him with a 390 foot home run to left in the 8th inning to make the score 7-3. Barlow struck out 5 of the next 7 men he faced.

The Knights had chances to score in the middle innings but couldn't take advantage of their opportunities.

Mike Berber, Jose Iglesias and Owen Miller hit back-to-back-to-back doubles against Aroldis Chapman to lead-off the bottom of the 9th, making it a 7-5 game. After Chapman retired Adam Frazier, Jhonkensey Noel belted a home run into the RF stands to tie the game. Huascar Ynoa relieved Chapman and got out of the inning

Both teams loaded the bases in the 10th but could not score. Ronald Acuna, Jr, took Logan Allen deep with 2 outs in the top of the 11th to put the Braves in the lead. Allen left the game with a sore hamstring after Acuna's HR.

After Tyler Matzek walked Cole Calhoun with 1 out in the bottom of the inning, Anthony Sanander smashed a Cory Knebel fastball over the RF fence for a dramatic, walk off win.

It was an exciting comeback for the Knights, who trailed by 6 runs at one point. The team has shown a lot of grit so far in its 1st season. Hopefully this is one to build on.

Game Note – Marcel Ozuna was simply awful this game, going 0-6 with 6 strikeouts for Atlanta.

Final Score: Charlotte 9, Atlanta 8 (11 innings)
WP: K. Crawford (2-0)
LP: C. Knebel (0-1)
Record: 8-7
Player of the Game: Eddie Rosario

News: Arizona P Caleb Thielbar is done for the season after tearing a flexor tendon in his elbow. Adley Rutchman's hitting streak ended at 21 games.

[TribeTown]

The Knights host the Phillies, who are off to an 8-7 start. Here are the pitching matchups.

Aaron Nola (1-1, 4.60) vs. Mike Clevinger (1-1, 2.65)
Ranger Suarez (1-0, 3.78) vs. Braxton Garrett (0-0,0.00)
Zach Wheeler (1-1, 4.05) vs. Sean Manea (1-2, 3.20)

Game #16 – April 15 – Knights Field

Rhys Hoskins homer to left in the 1st gave Philadelphia the early 1-0 lead. Charlotte took the lead in the 2nd when brandon Drury lef off with a single to right and Mike Gerber followed with his 1st HR of the season, a 381 foot shot to RF.

Mike Clevinger was sharp, but the Phillies toed the game in the top of the 7th on back to back infield sing is by Kyle Schwarber and Bryson Stott, followed by a throwing error by Clevinger in a Johan Camargo bunt attempt. Garrett Stubbs followed with a double down the RF line to score 2 and give the Phillies a 4-2 lead. Jorge Alcala relieved and got out of the inning without any further damage.

Connor Wong belted a 1 out HR in the bottom of the inning to make it a 4-3 game. Owen Miller and Adam Frazier followed with back to back singles, but Jhonkensey Noel struck out and Kole Calhoun grounded out to end the threat

Archie Bradley relieved Aaron Nola to start the 8yh. Bradley walked Brandin Drury and Mike Berber, and then Anthony Santander singled to.load the bases. Bradley rallied to strike out Ryan McKenna, but Wing followed with a fly ball to deep center that scored Drury to tie the game. Joel Payamps relieved Bradley and retired Owen Miller to end the inning.

Philadelphia took the lead off Kitter Crawford in the 9th. With a man in 2nd and 2 its, Manuel Margo hit a ground ball to short Owen Miller threw the ball.into tue dugout.

The Phillies called on Connor Brogdon to close out the game. Frazier and Noel led off the bottom of the 9th with back-to-back singles. Kole Calhoun drew a walk. Bramdon Drury singled to left, scoring Frazier and Noel for another walkoff win.

"This place was rocking at the end," Drury said.

With the win, the 9-7 Knights find themselves in a 1st place tie with the Cardinals.

Final Score: Charlotte 6, Philadelphia 5
WP: K. Crawford (3-0)
LP: C. Brogdon (0-3)
Record: 9-7
Player of the Game: Brandon Drury