Monday was a slow day with all-star breaks starting for three of the affiliates. Just Charlotte and Great Falls took the field. For the Voyagers, it was the season opener, and it resulted in a win.
Knights 5, Lehigh Valley 1
Micah Johnson 1-5
Marcus Semien 0-5, 2 K
Josh Phegley 2-3, 2B, HR, BB
Matt Davidson 2-4, HR
Andy Wilkins 1-4, HR
Eric Surkamp 7 IP, 0 R, 8 K, BB, 3 H
Voyagers 7, Billings 4
Chevy Clarke 1-3, 2B, 2 BB, K
Toby Thomas 2-5, K
Zach Fisher 3-5, 2 K
Louie Lechich 0-4, BB, 3 K
Patrick Palmeiro 2-4, HR
Jeff McKenzie 5.2 IP, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 K, 0 BB, 5 H
Three 2014 draft picks made their pro debuts in the first game of Great Falls’ season: Lechich (6th round), Zach Fish (11th round) and Ryan Leonards (21st round). They went a combined 2-13 on Monday.
Star of the day: Eric Surkamp
The 26-year-old had a great start in a season where he hasn’t really dominated for the Knights. This was also his first start since June 4. He has been up and down this season, but has great strikeout and walk numbers. Surkamp’s 4.88 ERA and .311 batting average against aren’t flattering, but 77 strikeouts and 16 walks in 66.1 innings are.