NORFOLK, VA – The Charlotte Knights dropped their final game under the Friday night lights this season after the Norfolk Tides hit a pair of early home runs, leading to a 3-1 loss.
In the opening inning, the Tides got on the board with a two-run homer, then in the bottom of the third inning added to the lead with a solo shot to go up 3-0.
Aidan Anderson settled things down on the mound for the Knights, pitching three scoreless innings after coming in for the fourth inning, striking out three batters while holding Norfolk to one hit. That marked his seventh scoreless outing in eight appearances since joining the team.
In the fifth inning, Ryan Galanie led off with the Knights' first hit of the game and later came home to score on an RBI single from Andy Weber, cutting the lead to 3-1.
Garrett Schoenle came in to pitch the seventh inning and shut down the Tides offense, surrendering a two-out single before quickly wrapping up the scoreless inning.
Charlotte worked the count well in the top of the eighth inning and loaded the bases after three walks but bid not score any runs.
In the bottom of the eighth, Jaden Woods came in, continuing the string of solid relief appearances for the Knights. Woods gave up a leadoff walk; then he responded with back-to-back strikeouts and a groundout to finish his scoreless inning.
Norfolk made the call to the bullpen and earned the save after Charlotte went down in order in the top of the ninth.
The Knights will look to get back in the win column tomorrow as they play their final night game of the season. Saturday’s contest against Norfolk is set for 6:35 pm ET at Harbor Park.