Jake Burger has played in four games for the Charlotte Knights this season, and he's shown everybody something new in each one.
May 4: Took the field, although he had to leave early with a leg issue.
May 8: Returned to the field and played a whole nine innings.
May 9: Homered in his first at-bat.
May 11: Once again homered in his first at-bat...
... and he also drew a walk to reach twice.
That broke new ground, but a walk wouldn't have been enough to lead the Minor Keys for a second straight game. But this play?
There's Burger showing the athleticism to range behind the bag, but what stood out to me was Burger's confidence in planting before firing. The twice-repaired Achilles withstood the stress nicely, and being 40 pounds lighter probably doesn't hurt in that regard, either.
Charlotte 6, Norfolk 4
- Blake Rutherford went 3-for-5 with two doubles.
- Jake Burger, 1-for-4 with a homer and a walk.
- Gavin Sheets was 2-for-4.
- Brian Goodwin went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts.
- Jonathan Stiever's second start wasn't as charmed: 4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 2 WP, 52 of 80 pitches for strikes.
Birmingham 6, Pensacola 1
- Micker Adolfo went 1-for-5 with a homer and a strikeout.
- Carlos Perez went 1-for-5 with a double and a strikeout.
- Ti'Quan Forbes was 3-for-4 with a double.
Winston-Salem 7, Hickory 6
- Duke Ellis went 1-for-5 with three strikeouts.
- Bryce Bush was 2-for-5 with a K.
- Lenyn Sosa and Yolbert Sanchez were both 1-for-4 with two strikeouts.
- Luis Mieses showed power, going 2-for-4 with a homer and a double.
- Harvin Mendoza went 0-for-4 with a K.
Fayetteville 10, Kannapolis 1
- James Beard went 0-for-4 with a walk and three strikeouts.
- José Rodriguez was 2-for-5 with a K.
- Bryan Ramos, 0-for-5 with two strikeouts.
- DJ Gladney, Sam Abbott and Johnabiell Laureno all were 0-for-2 with two walks and a K. Gladney committed two throwing errors.
- Benyamin Bailey went 0-for-3 with a walk.
- A little bit better from Jared Kelley: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 5 K, 1 HR.
Highlights:
*Here are Kelley's best moments:
(Photo by Laura Wolff / Charlotte Knights)
