The Charlotte Knights were once again in action over the weekend, and while they weren’t able to completely bounce back from an opening-day loss, they did split the weekend games and secure their first win of the season.
In Saturday’s game, Jared Shuster made his first appearance since being acquired in the Aaron Bummer trade. Unfortunately, he had a night to forget, ending his start by giving up 7 earned runs in four innings. At the plate, Oscar Colas and Adam Hackenberg did what they could to give the lineup some life, hitting back-to-back solo home runs in the fourth inning. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to come back.
On Sunday, the Knights had a bit more of a bullpen day, starting with three scoreless innings from Chad Kuhl followed by Touki Toussaint giving up 2 runs in 2.2 innings. Bailey Horn, who was traded to the Cubs in 2022 and reacquired this offseason, was impressive in 1.1 innings, giving up no runs and striking out two batters. The lineup got going in this one, with Oscar Colas staying hot with three hits, including a double, and driving in a run. The lineup as a whole scored six runs, and Justin Anderson was able to come in to get the save, securing the win.
March 30 Final: Knights 3, Redbirds 10
W: Josh James(1-0), L: Jared Shuster(0-1)
March 31 Final: Knights 6, Redbirds 2
W: Touki Toussaint(1-0), L: Gordon Graceffo (0-1), S: Justin Anderson (1)
Offensive Recap
Saturday, March 30
Sunday, March 31
Pitching Recap:
Saturday, March 30
Sunday, March 31
Notable Performances
Oscar Colas: 3-for-8, HR, 2B,
Oscar Colas has caught fire to begin the 2024 season, hitting multiple extra-base hits, showing off some impressive exit velocities, and holding an OPS over 1.500. The Sox have acquired several outfielders this offseason to stiffen the competition, but if he keeps this up it will be difficult for the Sox to keep him down in Triple-A.
Lenyn Sosa: 3-for-7, 2B
Lenyn Sosa, who will reportedly be joining the White Sox after an injury to Eloy Jimenez, has gotten off to a nice start to the 2024 season. He is currently hitting over .400 with a 1.000 OPS and could provide some life to the White Sox lineup if needed.
Adam Hackenberg: 2-for-4, HR, 2 K
Adam Hackenberg had a nice outing in Saturday’s game, collecting a couple of hits and combining with Oscar Colas for back-to-back home runs. Hackenberg is lauded for his ability behind the plate, but he has the power to add some part to a lineup occasionally.
Colson Montgomery: 1-for-7, 2 K, BB
Things could be going better for top prospect Colson Montgomery, as he only has two hits on the year (both singles), and has stricken out in every game so far. It is much too early to hit the panic button, however, as it is only a few games in and Montgomery is adjusting to the highest minor league level.
Bailey Horn: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Bailey Horn had a nice outing on Sunday, striking out a pair in 1.1 innings. The former Cubs farmhand has shown promise as a relief pitching prospect in the past and could be in line to join the White Sox at some point in 2024.
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Featured image: Laura Wolff/Charlotte Knights
