ROAD WINNING STREAK SNAPPED

Road Winning Streak Snapped in Charlotte

Gamel’s Hitting Streak Stalls

Charlotte, N.C. – The SWB RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) saw their record 12-game road winning streak halted after a 5-1 loss to the Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox) at BB&T Ballpark on Monday night. The RailRiders (60-36) fell away from NEPA for the first time since a 7-3 setback at Pawtucket on June 25. The Knights (44-53) snapped a three-game losing skid. IL All-Star Ben Gamel saw his 16-game hitting streak and 21-game on-base string conclude as well.

The Knights got all the runs they would need in a hurry. In his Triple-A debut, ranked prospect Adam Engel singled as the leadoff man. The very next hitter, Carlos Sanchez, homered to left-center for a 2-0 margin.

The lead doubled in the third thanks to Sanchez’s RBI fielder’s choice and Jason Coats’ RBI single.

SWB scratched out its lone score in the fifth. Charlotte starter Tyler Danish retired 12 of the first 14 he faced before Jake Cave began the inning with a single. Cesar Puello’s base hit moved Cave to third before Pete Kozma grounded into a 6-4-3 run-scoring double play.

In the home sixth, Kevan Smith homered to left-center off SWB starter Kyle Haynes for a 5-1 Charlotte edge.

Danish (1-2) recorded his first Triple-A win while Haynes (3-4) suffered the loss.

The three-game series continues at 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday as IL All-Star Chad Green (7-6, 1.41) faces fellow righty Anthony Ranaudo (5-3, 3.14).

The RailRiders return home for a seven-game homestand starting on July 21 at 5:05 p.m. against the Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay Rays). The Thirsty Thursday, presented by Budweiser, will sport $1 Bud Lights and $1 Pepsi products from the opening of the gates at 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Thursdays are also College Nights with a $5 lawn walk-up ticket to all college students with college ID. The day starts with a Tailgate Party at PNC Field from noon until 4 p.m. The event features: live music by Jump the Train from 1 p.m.-4 p.m.; BBQ food and beer specials; free transportation to the Luke Bryan concert; a ticket-upgrade drawing at 4 p.m.; a premium tailgate experience; backyard games and more. For tickets or more information, please call 570-969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

OFF THE RAILS:

Reggie Jackson watched the game from SWB’s dugout. “Mr. October” will be at PNC Field for a major announcement at 5 p.m. this Friday, July 22. Fans and media are welcome to attend. He will be available for media interviews.

Ben Gamel’s 16-game hitting streak was the longest active run in the IL and tied Rob Refsnyder ’s 16-gamer from Apr. 26-May 12 as the longest by a 2016 RailRider. Only Columbus’ Ronny Rodriguez, who authored a 17-gamer from Apr. 24-May 15, has posted a longer hitting streak in the IL this season. Gamel’s 21-game on-base run is the best by a RailRider all season and was the second-longest active spurt in the circuit.

The RailRiders lost on the road for the first time since a 7-3 setback at Pawtucket on June 25.

In his first game with this year’s RailRiders, Mason Williams batted leadoff and played center field. He finished 0-for-4 with a pair of strikeouts.

The RailRiders’ top five hitters went a combined 1-for-18 with five strikeouts.

Kyle Haynes struck out a career-best eight.

Phil Coke faced the minimum over his 2.1 innings of hitless relief, walking one and whiffing three.

Haynes (9:0) and Coke (3:0) combined for 12 groundouts and zero flyouts.

Former RailRider Slade Heathcott faced SWB for the first time. He went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts, all swinging.

The RailRiders (0-32) and Durham Bulls (0-42) are the IL’s only clubs that have yet to win when trailing after eight innings.