In a thrilling conclusion to the series, the Charlotte Knights showed why they’re a force to be reckoned with, taking down the Durham Bulls 12-5. This victory marks their sixth straight win, kicking off June with a perfect sweep and extending their season dominance over Durham to an impressive 9-0. Both teams managed to rack up 11 hits, but the Knights capitalized on their opportunities, boasting 19 chances with runners in scoring position and delivering seven extra-base hits, including two homers.
Hagen Smith, the Knights’ lefty, was in fine form, pitching 4 2/3 scoreless innings in his 13th start. He limited the Bulls to just three hits and three walks while striking out nine, matching his season high from the previous game. The Knights’ offense backed him up with a five-run cushion.
Michael Turner was a standout at the plate, going 3-for-5 with three RBIs and two doubles. Jason Matthews and Korey Lee added some insurance in the eighth inning, each launching home runs to extend the Knights’ lead. Braden Montgomery didn’t have the big hit of the day but was a constant presence on the bases, reaching four times and scoring three runs, even picking up an RBI on a ground out.
The bullpen had its moments of struggle, with Zach Franklin and Tyler Schweitzer allowing five runs, but Schweitzer secured the win thanks to a clean ninth inning from Chase Plymell. The Knights are now headed back to Charlotte, where they’ll face the Oklahoma City Comets, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate.
Meanwhile, the Birmingham Barons faced another tough loss, falling 7-4 to the Knoxville Smokies. This marks the Barons’ fourth consecutive defeat, leaving them with a series loss after starting the week with two wins. Connor McCullough pitched the first four innings, giving up two runs, but the Smokies took control from there.
Morris Austin, making his second bullpen appearance, struggled, allowing four runs and taking the loss. Wilfred Veras tried to spark the Barons’ offense with a two-hit day, including a two-run homer in the third. However, Birmingham’s bats couldn’t muster enough to overcome Knoxville’s lead, leaving them 14 games below .500.
Over in Winston-Salem, the Dash couldn’t hold off the Hub City Spartanburgers, losing 11-8 despite a strong start to the series. The Spartanburgers’ six-run fourth inning proved decisive. Mason Adams, on a rehab start, managed to navigate three innings after a leadoff homer, but the bullpen couldn’t stop the bleeding.
Despite the offensive output, including two homers from Bryce Eblin, the Dash fell short. Caleb Bonemer also contributed with a double and a homer, but the Spartanburgers’ bats were just too much to handle.
Finally, the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers wrapped up their series against the Hickory Crawdads with a 5-3 win, evening the series and nudging above .500. Though outhit, the Ballers were efficient with their chances. Jaden Fauske drove in two key runs, and Adrian Gil’s solo shot in the ninth sealed the victory.
Truman Pauley started on the mound, allowing three runs over 4 2/3 innings, but the bullpen held firm, with Marco Barrios earning the win and Landen Payne notching the save. It’s a win that keeps Kannapolis in the hunt as they continue their season.
