The Knights struck early and did not look back, effectively improving to 13 games over .500. Micah Johnson (7), Jason Coats (11), and Matt Davidson (15) each hit solo home runs in the first inning. Johnson (.333, 7 HR, 29 RBI) had two other base knocks and a run scored, while also starting a double play in the field. Jason Coats had another hit that was a double, driving in a run in the process – his 57th RBI. Matt Davidson, who struggled in the AAA All-Star Game, belted his 15th home run.
Erik Johnson (8-5, 2.59) keeps on plugging away, as he is clearly deserving of a rotation spot on an M.L. club. Johnson, unsurprisingly, had another excellent start. He went five innings, allowing four hits and three walks, with no runs allowed, while striking out six batters. With John Danks currently occupying the spot, the right-hander continues to press the issue and is certainly the first option to replace, say, Jeff Samardzija should he be traded.
Terance Marin (1.58 ERA in 45.2 IP) struck out two batters in a perfect inning of relief. Nate Jones (on rehab assignment) also worked a scoreless inning of relief, walking one and allowing a hit (no strikeouts).
Winston-Salem 6, Lynchburg 3
Winston-Salem (45-49) also struck early, scoring five runs in the first, which proved enough to carry them to a victory over the Lynchburg Hillcats. Matt Heidenreich (11-2, 2.49), not unlike Erik Johnson strictly in terms of performance, paced the Dash. The Coronado, California native earned a “quality start,” going six innings of two-run ball, allowing eight hits and a walk (seven strikeouts). Michael Ynoa struck out two batters and allowed a hit in an inning of relief.
Adam Engel (.680 OPS) went 1-4 with a walk (two SO), two runs scored, and a stolen base (37th). Jake Peter, batting second, doubled (20) and walked in four PAs, scoring a run in the process. Trey Michalczewski also doubled (20) and scored a run in four ABs.
Kannapolis 3, Hagerstown 2
Thad Lowry (10-5, 3.92) was effective in a seven inning outing, helping the Intimidators improve to 48-46 on the season. Lowry allowed just three hits (two walks), two runs (earned), while only striking out two batters. Matt Cooper notched his ninth save of the season in a two inning outing in which he allowed just one baserunner (a hit), while striking out three batters.
Ryan Leonards raised his average to .298 as he went 3-4 with a run scored and his 5th stolen base. Michael Suiter, following his recent demotion from Winston-Salem, went 2-4 with a double and stole his sixth bag.
Idaho Falls 5, Great Falls 1
Landon Lassiter: 2-4, R, BB, SO
Jake Jarvis: 0-5, SO
Johan Cruz: 1-4, SO
Tanner Banks: 6 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 2 SO
DSL Blue Jays 6, DSL White Sox 0
Maiker Feliz: 0-4, 2 SO
Carlos Perez: 0-3, BB, SO
Ricky Mota: 1-4, 3 SO
Nelson Acosta: 4 IP, 2 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 4 SO
**
Birmingham’s game against the Tennessee Smokies was postponed.
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